Manistique Pumping Station | |
Location | Deer St., Manistique, Michigan |
---|---|
Coordinates | 45°57′47″N 86°15′6″W / 45.96306°N 86.25167°W |
Built | 1921 |
Architect | Fridolf Danielson |
Architectural style | Romanesque |
NRHP reference No. | 81000316[1] |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | October 26, 1981 |
Designated MSHS | March 19, 1980[2] |
The Manistique Pumping Station is an industrial waterworks building located on Deer Street in Manistique, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.[1]
In the early part of the 20th century, the city of Manistique expanded and renovated their water system.[3] However, by 1920, the system was deemed inadequate for firefighting. It was recommended that the city borrow $97,000 to build a new 200,000 gallon water tower and pumping station, as well as building a nearby dam and improving the distribution system.[3] A bond was approved by voters, and construction of the tower began in June 1921. The system was finally complete in September 1922.[3]
The system constructed was in use until 1954, when a new pumping station was put into operation.[3] The structure was used for offices and as a comfort station until 1973, when the Schoolcraft Historical Society took the building over.[3] It was placed on the state historical register in 1979 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The tower currently serves as the Schoolcraft County Museum[4] and part of the Schoolcraft County Historical Park.[3][5]
The tower is notable for the architectural approach to the design of the fundamentally utilitarian structure.[6]
The Manistique Pumping Station is 38 feet wide on the outside, 33 feet wide inside, and 137 feet high.[3] It housed 200,000 gallons of water in an internal steel tank[6] 30 feet in diameter and 44 feet high.[3] The exterior of the tower is octagonal, and the interior has 16 sides, strengthening the eight exterior corners that supported the weight of the water tank.[3] The building is primarily faced with red brick with limestone trim, and sits on a concrete foundation.[6] Casement windows near the top of the tower sit beneath a decorative frieze. The domed roof is made of copper.[6]