The city plans to renovate the water tower that was built in 1960. The city recruited staff, alumni and a student representative from school to build a working committee. The recommended plan was presented to the city council on March 1 and the city plans to start the renovations as early as this summer. 

“The water tower first received the [school] logo about 1973,” community relations and tourism director James Kunke said. “The current tower image dates back to about 1994. Water towers need to be repainted every 15-20 years and it is time for this one to be repainted.”

Student Council adviser Allison Stamey spoke about the uniqueness of the tower to the city, influencing her decision to be a voice in the renovation.

“When I moved to Lewisville in 1990, I immediately saw the tower and thought it was so cool a city would put their high school up on a big water tower,” Stamey said. “Now that it is rusting away, I wanted to be a part of the renovation.”

The city’s original plan was to remove the water tower as a part of the state’s widening project on I-35E, but the city officials decided it was too memorable to remove.

“We learned early last year the tower would not be removed and we began focusing on plans for keeping it,” Kunke said. “The recommendation from the volunteer group is to repaint the tank at the top of the tower with a very similar look to what is there now, add a new tagline on the catwalk railing and create a viewing area on the ground north of the tower where the history of the school could be celebrated. We also are looking at new lighting for the top of the tower, either white or color-changing.”

Nothing has been approved yet, as the project is still being reviewed and modified.

“Members of the city council offered some feedback about the recommended design and viewing area,” Kunke said. “City staff were instructed to go back to the volunteer group and discuss how to cover the cost of the project. The current estimate is that it would cost the city about $680,000 for repairs, painting, lights and limited parking.”

The water tower holds a long line of school spirit. The committee hopes the intended renovations will boost the community’s morale. 

“They want to add nameplates so they can add state champion dates each year,” senior vice president and student representative Jennifer Montoya said. “They also want to add LED lights so after football games they can light it up maroon.”

Kunke said this is a community project, not just something done by city staff. He hopes his communal help will be effective, as well as unitive. 

“When a final plan is approved, the volunteer group has committed to gathering donations of supplies, labor and cash to complete portions of the project,” Kunke said. “My hope is Farmer pride still runs deep in Lewisville and many people will answer that call when it comes.”