The Watts Towers

[Everyone loves a story about the crazy genius who does remarkable things. “I Build the Tower” is a documentary film made by a college classmate. Initially, I thought this too fantastic and fanciful to be real. Now, it’s on my bucket list. SB SM]

For more about the film and how to stream and download: 

ibuildthetower.com

The Watts Towers, or Nuestro Pueblo, are 17 interconnected, sculptural steel towers built by Italian immigrant Sabato “Sam” Rodia in Watts, Los Angeles, between 1921 and 1954. Located at 1765 E. 107th St., the tallest tower reaches 99.5 feet. They are a National Historic Landmark made of mortar-covered steel, decorated with mosaics of pottery, glass, and shells. [1, 2, 3]

Key Information & Visiting Tips

• Location: 1765 E. 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002.
• Accessibility: The site is managed by the City of Los Angeles. While often viewed from the outside, guided tours of the interior are available, and the site is usually open for viewing during the day.
• Transportation: A 10-minute walk from the 103rd Street / Watts Towers Station on the Metro A Line (Blue).
• Nearby Attractions: The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus offers tours, exhibitions, and hosts annual festivals.
• Status: The towers underwent major conservation work after 2010 to address structural threats. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

History & Significance

• Creator: Sabato “Simon” Rodia (1879–1965), a construction worker who built them as a “gift” to the community.
• Construction: Rodia used no heavy machinery or welded armatures, instead creating a mortar-covered, steel-reinforced structure embedded with found objects and broken pottery.
• Recognition: The towers are recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a California State Historic Park, and a Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument.
• Events: The campus hosts the annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival in late September. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]