About the Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office)
The Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (桐生市立西公民館本館（旧水道事務所）) is a former waterworks office completed in 1932 in Eiraku-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on November 5, 1997. It stands on a street on the west side of the town centre (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
It is recorded as three-storey reinforced concrete with a building area of 232 square metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs); registration number 10-0020, owned by Kiryu City. Kiryu's water supply began in April 1932, and this building was registered as one of the city's twelve waterworks facilities (Kiryu City).
Why It Was Registered
The Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office) was registered as a building that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that its mortar walls scored like stone, stepped window surrounds and curved openings typify their period.
What to Look For
It was first two storeys of reinforced concrete; in 1956 a third floor was added on the roof as the city council chamber because the offices were cramped (Kiryu City). After the city offices and waterworks office moved to Orihime-cho in 1965 it became the central community centre and later the Nishi Community Center.
Inside, in an Art Deco manner, plastered columns 80 centimetres across rise into arched forms towards the beams, and the newel posts of the stair are carefully designed (Kiryu City).
Using the Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office)
The buildings are in use as the Kiryu City Nishi Community Center; check the city's facility guide for opening details. The address is 2-16 Eiraku-cho, Kiryu City (Kiryu City).
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Q&A
- When was the Nishi Community Center Main Building built?
- In 1932, as the waterworks office (Kiryu City).
- When was the third floor added?
- In 1956, as the city council chamber (Kiryu City).
- What are the design features of the Nishi Community Center Main Building?
- Stone-scored mortar walls, stepped window surrounds, curved openings and arched columns inside (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Kiryu City).
- When was the Nishi Community Center Main Building registered?
- On November 5, 1997.
- Can you visit the Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office)?
- It is in use as the Nishi Community Center; check the city facility guide.
Basic Information
| Name | Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office) (桐生市立西公民館本館（旧水道事務所）) |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-16 Eiraku-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1997/11/5 (Heisei 9) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Three-storey reinforced concrete with a building area of 232 square metres (Agency for Cultural Affairs) |
| Owner | Kiryu City |
| Public Access | In use as a community centre |
References
- Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000341
- Kiryu City Nishi Community Center Main Building (former Waterworks Office) (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002010.html
- Kiryu waterworks facilities (12) (Kiryu City)
- https://www.city.kiryu.lg.jp/kankou/bunkazai/1010700/kunitouroku/1002008.html
Last verified: 2026.10.08
