Construction of the second Heeser Water Tower, 1983. (Bill Wagner Collection)
The construction of the second Heeser Water Tower in 1983 was a significant undertaking, following the destruction of the original tower in 1974 by a fierce storm.
The first Heeser Water Tower, located on the southeast corner of Ukiah and Kasten Streets in Mendocino, was built around 1903. This two-tank tower provided water to William Heeser’s residential property (now the site of the Mendocino Hotel Garden Suites) and to the Beacon Building, the home of his newspaper on the north side of Ukiah Street.
Local contractor Trey Loy took on the challenge of constructing a replica of the original tower on the same site. The process was meticulous, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and structural integrity. The foundation required reinforced concrete pilings extending 20 feet into the ground, connected by heavy-grade beams to ensure the tower’s stability against future storms.
The tower’s framework utilized old-growth redwood timbers, complemented by steel brackets and two redwood water tanks. The intricate design demanded precise cuts and angles to seamlessly fit the timbers and brackets. Initially, contractors considered assembling the second stage on the ground and hoisting it into place with a crane. However, practicality prevailed, and each timber was installed individually, following an old-fashioned approach.
Today, the tanks on the second Heeser Water Tower still hold water, serving as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and historical significance of this iconic structure.
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