A historic preservation group based in the Route 66 town of McLean, Illinois, announced it has assumed ownership of the village’s historic water tower after saving it from the wrecking ball.
CORE of McLean stated on a Facebook post last week it officially took ownership of the water tower on Sept. 10.
The organization stated it has two years to restore the tower’s surface paint and create a mural at its top.
“This will mean our village will have a brand new attraction in time for the centennial celebration of Historic Route 66” in 2026, it stated.
Despite considerable opposition, the village originally voted last November to tear down the water tower for $34,000, citing liability and maintenance concerns. CORE of McLean purchased the structure a few months later.
“While we did pay the village just $1 to make the purchase, the total cost to save the water tower for CORE of McLean was a little over $9000, which includes legal and engineering fees, a property survey, and the 60 signs that we distributed around the village to folks who supported our efforts. We are currently seeking donations to cover these costs,” CORE stated.
To that end, CORE of McLean has launched an online fundraising campaign on GoFundMe.com. The goal is $9,000, and about $3,000 already had been raise through the platform.
Checks also can be written to “Core of McLean” and mailed to P.O. Box 294, McLean, IL 61754.
The old water tower was built in 1935. It was decommissioned in 2017 after a new water tower was built.
(Image of the water tower in McLean, Illinois, via CORE of McLean on Facebook)