Mayoral proclamation recognizes July 12 as 100th anniversary of water tower construction

July 12 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of construction on Brainerd’s historic water tower.

To recognize the occasion, Mayor Ed Menk signed a proclamation stating the following:

“Whereas, the City of Brainerd is dedicated to celebrating the life and history of our area; and whereas, the Brainerd Water Tower has been, and remains to be, an icon of the City of Brainerd and is celebrated on the National Registry of Historic Places; and whereas, the Brainerd Water Tower was the first continuously poured concrete water tower in the World, dreamed up by designer and engineer L.P. Wolff; and whereas, July 12th, 2019 is the 100th anniversary of the start of the 18-month construction of the historic tower; and whereas, the water tower has stood for close to 100 years, serving as a symbol of the Brainerd community; and whereas, the water tower has been subject to years of harsh Minnesota conditions, and its physical structure grown weary; and whereas, members of the community have undertaken a serious effort to save this iconic piece of Brainerd's history; and whereas, the water tower is an important landmark to our city and our history and should be restored so it may serve as a community icon for years to come.

“Therefore, I, Edwin L. Menk, Mayor do hereby proclaim that July 12th, 2019 is the 100th anniversary of the start of the construction of the historic Brainerd Water Tower.”

Last year, stucco falling from the iconic structure on the corner of Washington and South Sixth streets in downtown Brainerd prompted city officials to explore repair options.

With similar issues in the tower’s past, city officials said they will demolish it if the money needed to fix it -- estimated up to $3 million -- is not raised by October 2020.

A citizen water tower committee was formed to try to raise the funds. The group meets at 6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at Brainerd City Hall, and meetings are open to the public.

Monetary donations can be made on the city of Brainerd website, at Brainerd City Hall or at Brainerd Community Action. Checks should be made out to Brainerd Community Action.

For more information on the water tower committee and its works, visit bit.ly/2Fl90LE .