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Hoffman Tower & Dam

3910 Barry Point Rd, Lyons, IL
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George Hofman Jr. had this tower built next to the Des Plains River dam in 1908. The Hofmann family had owned the site since 1874. The dam had originally been built in 1830. The project included a picnic area and river excursions, both of which were discontinued in the 1920s. A tunnel connected the tower and picnic area to a fenced area across the street. The tower and dam are located at the site of the old Riverside ford which was part of a branch of the Green Bay Indian trail.

GPS: 41.820615, -87.821932

Mr. Hofman passed away in 1942 and in 1946 the Forest Preserve District of Cook County bought the property. In 1984 ownership changed to the State of Illinois after which and restoration began.

The building is eight stories tall which for years made it the tallest building between Lyons and Chicago. It is built of reinforced concrete.

The building was placed on the NRHP in 1978.

Photo(s): 2016