THE WILLIAMSBURG HOTEL’S WATER TOWER BAR IS A CIRCULAR, COMPACT, AND PRIVATE CLUBLIKE TRIBUTE TO AN ICONIC CITY STRUCTURE

BY EVAN MONROE

There are approximately 17,000 water towers in the city, defining urban ornaments first added to buildings in the 1880s as city plumbing (but insufficient water pressure) began to replace well drawn water. By the 1920s, New York mandated that inhabited structures of six stories or more be equipped with a rooftop tank. New ones still go up regularly, incidentally, made and maintained by just three area companies, Long Island City’s American Pipe and Tank being one.

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In tribute to this enduring design, The Water Tower, part of The Williamsburg Hotel and open Wednesday through Saturday, debuted in November. Just under 800 square feet, 175 above the pavement, and constructed of glass and steel, it features a wraparound balcony offering panoramic vistas with an interior design that features comfy sofas and chairs, graphic posters, and pendulum lighting. An Instagram mecca even for this increasingly hip corner, it was penned by the same London and New York City based architectural firm, Michaelis Boyd, that conceived the hotel itself one that broadly pays tribute to the neighborhood’s industrial roots. The bar feels like a modern day tree house a club to which only cool kids can ascend.

A curated menu of artisanal cocktails, spirits, champagne, and a rotating lineup of DJs are on hand. Given the tight space, reservations are required from 6 to 9 p.m., and recommended until the 4 a.m. closing time. Just a level below is the hotel’s The Roof, which features an outdoor pool, bar, and café making the whole assembly a damn fine way to while away our last warm days.

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The Water Tower at The Williamsburg Hotel
96 Wythe Avenue / 718.362.8100 thewilliamsburghotel.com

Northwell A22 SPREAD