'Leaning Tower of Niles' Will be Sold for $10

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most recognizable structures. As a destination spot for tourists worldwide, its value: priceless.

But the Leaning Tower of Niles, a half-sized replica in the north suburbs of Chicago, apparently does have a price. It’s $10.

The Leaning Tower YMCA of Metro Chicago provided the village of Niles an asking price of $10 for the tower, according to the Niles Herald-Spectator. Village officials formalized their intent to purchase it last week.

The 94-foot-tall steel, stone and concrete structure on Touhy Avenue was built in 1934 as “a creative way to mask water infiltration tanks for two pools on the campus of what was once a 22-acre park for employees of Ilg Hot Air Ventilation Company,” according to the Herald-Spectator.

Since 1964, it has been in the hands of the YMCA and has deteriorated over the years. But now, the village wants to save the tower and have it listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To do that, village trustees estimate almost $550,000 will be needed for repairs.

Although the intent to purchase was unanimously approved by the Village Board, trustee Chris Hanusiak still called it a waste of taxpayers’ money.

“This is another example of a government bailout of private property,” he said.

Patch file photo

more via the Niles Herald-Spectator