Arlington Reservoir
Also known as: # 902
Why it's listed
Rising 80 feet at the center of a circular park on Arlington's highest ground, 460 feet above sea level, this reservoir tower was built between 1921 and 1924 for the Metropolitan District Commission. Frederick F. Low designed it as a drum 93 feet in diameter, topped by the suggestion of a Greco-Roman temple. Its masonry walls are faced with Indiana limestone and enclose a steel tank holding over two million gallons of water. The severe neoclassical styling recalls the work of late 18th century French architects Ledoux and Boulee, and a local newspaper once called it one of the most beautiful watertowers in the state. The site was once part of Captain Solomon Pierce's farm, and early in World War II the tower served as a fixed point for calibrating sighting devices developed at MIT. It was listed as a fine example of a common utilitarian structure type that retains its original integrity.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a fine rendition of a common utilitarian form, with neoclassical severity reminiscent of Ledoux and Boulee. It retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. It also has local associations with the Pierce Farm and early WWII sighting-device calibration for MIT.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 85002676, listed September 27, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Park Circle, Arlington |
|---|---|
| County | Middlesex County |
| Listed | September 27, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85002676 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Architect / builder | Frederick F. Low |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition listed as good; the form gives original and subsequent use as reservoir. |
| Coordinates | 42.41446, -71.19232 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 85002676.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4792392
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.