An early example of a continuously poured steel-reinforced concrete structure, the Waldo Water Tower is 40 feet in diameter and 134 feet tall. Located at Tower Park at 75th Street and Holmes, it was built in 1920. It has been out of commission for the past 54 years, but the Waldo Tower Historic Society (WTHS) wants to bring it back to its former glory by completing landscaped walkways, solar panels, and a new wrought-iron fence to replace barbed wire. Supporters can help by attending
Tower Power Happy Hour at the Well (7421 Broadway, 816-361-1700), held every third Wednesday of the month in conjunction with Waldo Wednesdays. "Tourists are drawn to the historic value, architecture and method of construction of the Waldo Water Tower, which was ahead of its time, and is on the National Register of Historic Places," says Kurtis Martinez, president of the WTHS. From 3 to 6 p.m., hear from the society's board members, purchase Waldo Water Tower art and buy a featured drink; part of the proceeds go toward the effort. Drink up, Waldo, because this project is going to cost around $900,000.
— Berry Anderson
816-361-1700
