Prospect Point Observation Tower
The observation tower in 2013
Map
General information
Architectural styleModernist
Town or cityNiagara Falls, New York
CountryUnited States of America
Coordinates43°05′11″N 79°04′06″W / 43.086442°N 79.068389°W / 43.086442; -79.068389
Construction started1958
Completed1961
Renovated2001
CostUS$1,250,000
Height282 feet (86 m)
Technical details
Lifts/elevators4
Website
http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/observation-tower.aspx
References
[1][2]

The Prospect Point Observation Tower (also known as the Niagara Falls Observation Tower[2]) is a tower in Niagara Falls, New York, United States just east of the American Falls.

History

See also: Prospect Park Incline Railway

The Prospect Point Incline Railway

The area of the tower and Prospect Point was once known as the High Bank Industrial/Mill District, and hosted industrial use of the area from the 1870s to 1940s.[3]

The tower was originally built in 1961[1] and extensively refurbished between 2001 and 2003.[4] Improvements included a pre-cast concrete plank observation deck, an ornamental stainless steel deck railing system, improved high-speed elevators, new rest rooms, and a gift shop.[4]

Description

The tower, constructed of aluminum, glass, and steel, stands at 282 feet (86 m)[2] with the base at the bottom of the gorge. Visitors enter the tower at the ground level from Niagara Falls State Park.[1] It sees eight million visitors annually.

The Maid of the Mist loads at the base of the tower.

References

  1. ^ a b c "History of Niagara Falls towers". Skylon Tower. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Emporis building ID 160382". Emporis. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016.
  3. ^ "The Historic Mill District of Niagara Falls, New York".
  4. ^ a b "Governor Announces Completion of Multi-Million Dollar Improvement at Scenic Niagara Falls State Park". NYS Office of the Governor. June 24, 2003. Archived from the original on October 3, 2006. Retrieved October 22, 2016.