If you’ve driven around Tampa, you’ve definitely spotted the Sulphur Springs Water Tower. With its castle-like structure towering over a scenic park, it’s as eye-catching as a Disney attraction, visible right from the highway. Now, a local group is on a mission to raise funds to preserve and restore this iconic tower. That’s the inspiration behind the always lively “River Tower Festival.” This exciting event kicks off at noon on November 2 from 1pm-10pm at 401 E Bird St.
Tickets for the event run from $20-$60, and can be reserved online. Children 10 and under enjoy free entry. The festivities will include live music, food trucks, and an array of local vendors selling handmade goods. The event isn’t pet-friendly, so make sure to leave your four-legged friends at home. This festival is brought to life each year by The River Tower Foundation.
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The history of the iconic structure
Since 1927, the Sulphur Springs Water Tower has stood tall as a Tampa icon, rising 214 feet above the landscape. Designed by Grover Poole and commissioned by Josiah Richardson, the tower was part of Richardson’s grand vision for a sprawling entertainment district. His dream included a Ferris wheel, dance floor, pool, gazebo, and the Springs Hotel and Arcade—an indoor mall once featured in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not.”
However, Richardson hit a snag when he discovered the area lacked enough drinking water. Determined to fix this, he mortgaged his property, securing a $180,000 loan to build the water tower. Construction started in January 1927 and, in just a year, the tower was complete, crowned with a revolving searchlight that lit up the sky for miles.
But disaster struck in 1933 when heavy rains caused a TECO dam to burst, flooding much of the resort. Financial woes followed, and Richardson lost much of his property to foreclosure. By 1976, the once-bustling arcade had been replaced by a parking lot, leaving the water tower as a reminder of Tampa’s growth and resilience.
Its time as the Tower Drive-in Theatre
The tower served as a water source until 1971, after which the city took over. Between 1952 and 1985, the 12-acre site became home to the Tower Drive-In Theater, which was demolished after being condemned by the city. For years, the neglected tower became a canvas for graffiti and a symbol of decay.
In 1989, preservationists intervened when developers eyed the property for new construction. Their efforts paid off when the City of Tampa purchased the tower in 2005 and installed new lighting. However, the site received little attention until 2019, when the River Tower Festival was launched by the River Tower Foundation to raise awareness and funds for the tower’s preservation. Despite rainy weather, the festival succeeded in rallying the community and catching the city’s attention. Today, Tampa is collaborating with the Foundation, with plans for much-needed restoration, including pressure washing and repainting.
The Sulphur Springs Water Tower remains a cherished relic, a reminder of a bold vision and Tampa’s enduring spirit.
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