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RALEIGH — It's a landmark in downtown Raleigh and you may have driven past and not even noticed, or perhaps wondered what it is.

It's the city's original water tower—built 123 years ago to supply residents with drinking water. It's been preserved over the years, and it's currently used as office space. It is also currently for sale. At one time, the tower held a 100,000 gallon water tank, providing a vital resource to the city.

"Back in 1887 the city was growing, they needed a new main water source for residents, and they built the tower,” said David Crawford of the American Institute of Architects.

The tower served Raleigh water into the 1920s but was almost destroyed a decade later.

"An architect by the name of William Deitrick wanted to save the building. He thought it was an icon for the city and for the state,” said Crawford.

Deitrick, who also designed Dorton Arena, bought the property, later giving it to the American Institute of Architects. After 40 years here, the organization is ready to hand off history.

"How do you sell a water tower? Do you list it as a castle? It's not a two story home. It's certainly not a condominium. So, it's pretty neat," said listing agent Ann-Cabell Baum Andersen of the Glenwood Agency.

The tower is listed at $685,000, and several interested buyers have already toured the tower. The American Institute of Architects is planning to construct a new home for the organization in downtown Raleigh, but needs to sell the water tower first.