The Ypsilanti Water Tower is arguably one of the most famous, beloved and joked water towers in the United States, thanks to its unique shape that earned it the nickname “Brick Dick.” In 2003, it was even crowned the winner of Cabinet Magazine's search for the World’s “Most Phallic Building.” This structure is also remembered and preserved for its historical and local significance. Constructed in 1890 at a cost of over $21,000, the tower stands 147 feet tall with a base diameter of 85 feet. At the time of its construction, it not only stored and supplied water to the surrounding area, but also used the falling water to generate electricity for the area’s street lamps at night.

The town of Ypsilanti, where the tower is located and known as the site of the first Domino’s Pizza restaurant, is named after Demetrios Ypsilantis (1793–1832), a national hero of the Greek independence movement. A bust of this hero stands in front of the tower, along with a flagpole flying the Greek flag. This connection reflects early 19th century American admiration and allusion to Greek culture, linking their own democratic, progressive, and unified founding ideals to the idealized ancient Hellenic civilization. This fascination also generated sympathy and support for the Greek struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Greek Revival architecture that can be found in courthouses, banks, educational institutions, and even private residences in the United States during the early to mid-19th century, along with place names such as Ithaca, NY; Syracuse, NY; Homer, NY; Athens, GA; Olympia, WA; and Thebes, IL, exemplify this cultural embrace.