Cincinnati Magazine
Photograph by Justin Schafer
On the highest point in Cincinnati sit the Mt. Airy Water Towers, castle-like structures that look more likely to hold knights’ armor than more than 8 million gallons of water. The 15 towers, located at the corner of North Bend Road and Colerain Avenue, share a medieval style that differentiates them from the balloon-shaped reservoirs dominating the country. Cincinnati Water Works Superintendent J.A. Hiller was reportedly inspired by the Elsinore Arch in Eden Park when he designed the towers, which have provided clean water to the west side community since their completion in 1927. However, over 90 years of use, the castle has deteriorated. In 2018, Greater Cincinnati Water Works proposed demolition, but the Mt. Airy community fought back. “The people in Mt. Airy, in general, are very proud of them,” says Margo Warminski of Cincinnati Preservation Association. “They wanted them to be saved.” In an effort spearheaded by long
The Florence Y all water tower and the Elsinore Arch are going for gold in a nationwide water facility competition.
The two water facilities could face off in the final bracket because let s face it, they re downright iconic.
The Engaging Local Government Leaders Knope Competition is a yearly voting bracket that honors excellence in local government in four categories. All of its awards are named after characters from TV show Parks and Recreation.
The Knope Award, named after Amy Poehler s cheerful public servant Leslie Knope, is for top local government facilities. This year is water, sewer and stormwater facilities. In the past, they ve featured city hall buildings, libraries and parks.