The structure was built in 1934 as a water tower by industrialist Robert Ilg. It was later donated to the YMCA, but upkeep has been too much for them, so they sold it to the village for just $10.

The YMCA was built in 1960 after the tower’s designer donated that section of the park.

NILES, Ill. — The Leaning Tower YMCA residential building in Niles was demolished Monday. The residential building is adjacent to the tower located at 6300 W. Touhy Ave. Niles bought the ...