control tower

noun2

1. •
   An airport building from which the air traffic control unit monitors and directs the movement of aircraft on and around the airport.

   • As he taxied out to the far side of the field, 38-year-old Captain Benton R. ("Lucky") Baldwin was cleared for takeoff. The control tower gave him his choice of two runways—No. 13 or No. 18. — 1947
2. •
   An enclosed, raised structure occupied by one or more persons who operate or exercise control over railway traffic, ship movement, a racetrack, machinery, etc.

   • Ned Newton stood beside Tom in the control tower of the great tank as she started on her homeward way. — 1918