Built in 1926, the Crescent Lake Water Tower stands 110-feet high. The Water Tower, still operational, was designated a local historic landmark in 2008. It serves the City of St. Petersburg by stabilizing water pressure and providing a supplemental water supply for area fire hydrants.
In 1992, Artist Tom Stovall obtained approval from the City of St. Petersburg to paint a mural on the Water Tower. Before he obtained approval, Mr. Stovall canvassed the Crescent Lake neighborhood with his proposal and obtained 400 signatures of residents in support of his project. The Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association also supported the mural project. In 1994, Mr. Stovall painted the bright saltwater aquarium theme on the Water Tower. Mr. Stovall did not use any city money to create the mural. Instead, he raised about $10,000 of the $35,000 total bill through donors for the six-month project. The donors’ names are found on the tower’s central column.
In 2016, the Water Tower underwent much needed refurbishments, including restoring the mural. Twenty-four years after the mural was created, it was restored to its original glory. The restoration took three months. The mural restoration was funded by the City of St. Petersburg’s Water Resources at a cost of $36,500.
While in Crescent Lake Park, you may also spot some green monk parrots. A pandemonium of monk parrots have made nests around the Crescent Lake Water Tower. It appears the monk parrots have found a home in the Crescent Lake neighborhood.
Bibliography:
Caldwell, Alicia. (1992, February 7). Fish to Tower Over City. St. Petersburg Times, Section: City Times.
“City Awards Contract for Water Towers.” St. Petersburg Times, 1 June 1926.
Local Landmark Designation Application for Crescent Lake Water Tower dated June 27, 2008.
The City of St. Petersburg (2017). Crescent Lake Water Tower Re-dedication Highlights Weekend Festival [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.stpete.org/internal-news-detail_T2_R254.php.
