Tanks, But No Tanks

By Joanna Miller in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 21, 2006 10:02PM

With big-box store wages and foie gras out of the way, the City Council may be focusing on the fate of rooftop industrial water tanks throughout the city.

The tanks grew in popularity after the Chicago Fire but have since been replaced by electrical sprinkler systems and modern plumbing, although nearly 100 are still currently in use.

Last year's architectural competition for alternative uses for defunct tanks turned up suggestions such as rain-water collection systems, urban gardens and hot tubs. We’re having a hard time picturing that last one. So is Ronald Carlson, the only remaining employee of Johnson & Carlson Tank Sales and Service.

"Most of these tanks sit on top of the building's roof, usually on a 35- to 40-foot tower," said Carlson, whose great-grandfather was a co-founder of the company. "If people are up there partying and drinking, once they get done, they have to climb down the ladder. You know what will happen sooner or later."

And wouldn’t all that rusty metal be really scratchy?

The winning design uses a wind turbine to generate electricity and power LED lights to broadcast webcastrs, cultural exhibits, amber alerts and other PSAs. We're guessing they're still working out the details on that one.

The Moon and the Water Tank via Artamnesia