It was constructed by the Metropolitan Water Works (now MWRA) between 1921 and 1924 in the Classical Revival style, to provide water storage for Northern Extra-High Service area, consisting of Lexington and the higher elevations of Belmont and Arlington.

[4] The current 2,000,000 gallon tank,[5] contained within a stone rotunda, was built between 1921 and 1924 by Crane Construction Company, with William E. Foss as chief engineer.

The design was inspired by elements of Greek Doric style, "but the tower is not an enlarged replica of any specific round temple of the ancient world".

[6] On September 7, 2014, Luminarium Dance Company created a community arts event celebrating 90 years since the Arlington Reservoir's completion.

"Night at the Tower" was created and led by Luminarium Artistic Director and Arlington local Merli V. Guerra and was supported in part by a grant from the Arlington Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.