The tower was modeled after the ruins of the Round and Square Towers of Mesa Verde National Park. As you can see the "ruin" next to Desert View was supposed to be the square watchtower it was built as a ruin in 1932. The towers' purpose is still unknown, it is speculated that it was for security, grain storage, or for astronomy. The interior frame of the tower was a steel cage enclosed of concrete and stucco. The exterior were natural stone hewn and gathered from nearby areas.

The architect was a female pioneer of the time and field of profession her name is Mary Jane Coulter. I have letters from my great-grandfather and grandfather corresponding to each other about how difficult the architect had my made their jobs. My father was only five years old at the time of these projects, he is now seventy-nine.

(Information submitted by Matt Hichborn, who is the grandson of the general contractor of the tower.)