MCLEAN, Ill. (WMBD-TV) — The old water tower in the Village of McLean is getting some restoration.
In 2023, the board of trustees initially voted to remove the unused tower. But they later decided in 2024 to sell it to the revitalization group CORE of McLean for only $1.
Now, that water tower is getting a facelift with the removal of rust and a new paint job.
The original construction of the tower began in 1934. It was decommissioned in 2017 after a new tower was built.
The restoration is in preparation for the Route 66 100-year anniversary celebration. The historical significance even expands to the work crew.
“The painting crew of Hydrovision is a four-generation family-owned company who is very interested in preserving the history of this water tower,” said Lauri Ludy, secretary for CORE of McLean. “The second generation actually did work on the water tower in his time, so the fourth generation that’s getting ready to come in and take over is very proud to be continuing his grandfather’s work on our water tower.”
After three weeks of work, the restoration crew is expected to be done in two weeks. In the springtime, the same muralist who painted the neighboring grain bin will add his touch to the water tower.
WMBD TV can be reached at News@WJBC.com.
