One of the tallest structures in the Volga region was the Penza water tower, which is over a hundred years old. It was built during World War I for the needs of the local Pipe Factory. During the Russian Empire, this factory produced fuses for grenades, but the enterprise was in dire need of water for its production processes. The nearest water source was at the Penza-I station, and even the railway workers experienced a shortage of water. Since the factory had strategic importance for the Ministry of Defense, funds for the construction of a separate water tower were allocated quickly. The military invited experienced architect Pavel Pasternak from Moscow.

Upon arriving in Penza, Pasternak set himself the goal of creating not only a sturdy and functional object but also a beautiful structure. He aimed for the tower to harmoniously fit into the local architecture. The tall watchtower in the neoclassical style still impresses with its appearance. Special attention is drawn to its futuristic glass reservoir with a volume of 180 cubic meters. Pasternak carefully thought out the project, and later the tower was connected to residential buildings, providing water to a part of the province that previously experienced a shortage.

Today, this enormous tower has long ceased to function, and inside, according to some reports, various technical equipment has been located since the 1990s. It would be interesting to know what the antennas installed there are for.