The Cistern was one of the City of Houston’s first underground drinking-water reservoirs. Built in 1926, it provided decades of service until it was decommissioned in 2007 due to an irreparable leak. The 87,500-square-foot expanse includes 25-foot tall concrete columns set row upon row, hovering over two inches of water on the reservoir’s floor. Recognizing the significance of the highly unusual space and with generous support from The Brown Foundation, Buffalo Bayou Partnership repurposed the Cistern into a magnificent public space. In addition to tours highlighting the history and architecture of this unique industrial site, the Cistern houses periodic art installations.