The Well is one of my favorite Waldo hangouts and it's nice to read that Lewellen bros. Chris and Andy are giving back to their community given all their success . . .
Check the latest presser on the restoration effort:
Waldo Tower Group Kicks off Campaign to Restore Landmark
Tower Power Happy Hour Scheduled for April 7 at The Well
March 30, 2011. . . The Waldo Tower Historic Society is excited to officially commence their restoration campaign at the first Tower Power Happy Hour, on Thursday, April 7 at The Well, 7421 Broadway from 5:00-7:00pm. The public is invited to join local luminaries and the Society board for food and drink and to learn more about the challenging project at hand in restoring the inspiring landmark, prominently located in the heart of Waldo.
The kickoff Happy Hour is a chance to get a close look at the exciting plans surrounding this community effort, meet other stakeholders, get updated on where fundraising is headed, and most importantly to join Team Tower as a concerned citizen supporting an iconic Kansas City structure.
The festivities will include:
*Great appetizers kindly donated by The Well and Tower supporters the Lewellen brothers, Chris and Andy
*A special drink! A "Waldo Tower" is much like a White Russian, served in a tall, tower-like glass
*Unveiling of an artist's rendition of the Tower's appearance when restored
*Words of inspiration from Society board member and emcee John Murphy, Honorary Chairperson Betty Tillotson and other representatives from local business, governance and community organizations
*Raffle for a local artist's limited edition painting of the Waldo Water Tower
This magnificent structure, in Tower Park at the corner of 75th & Holmes, has stood for over nine decades with distinction in its construction, municipal service and now historic presence, visible for miles around. Listed in early editions of the World Book Encyclopedia, the Waldo Tower was cited as an innovative example of a reinforced concrete building. Built in 1920, it served the city with clean water until decommissioned in 1957. Crews worked around the clock to continuously pour the twelve-sided base in two days, the wall in fourteen. In 1975, the tower was designated Missouri's first American Water Works Association landmark and continues to serve as a monument to workers' ingenuity.
Today, the Tower is structurally sound but has lost some of its proud bearing to decades of decay. A study graciously funded by the city of Kansas City (which still owns the structure and has passed administration of its care from the Water Department to the Parks Department) reveals that the Tower needs a great deal of repair to reclaim its appearance and grandeur. The report (produced by Treanor Architects, experts in historical preservation) is highly detailed but very clear and direct, and will be on hand for review at the Tower Power Happy Hour.
The Waldo Tower Historic Society has taken as its mission saving the Tower by publicizing its plight and helping fund the recommendations of the study. Improvements will include:
*Structural enhancements, especially a new roof, an interior ladder, surface reconditioning and removal of non-original features
*Landscaping, fencing and historical signage
*Improved lighting, and perhaps an unobtrusive webcam and fixtures for community involvement (years ago the Tower was a platform for Christmas decoration)
"This is an enormous project, and one that will take at least $900,000 and several years to complete," said Kurtis Marinez, president of the Historic Society, who also noted that over 10% of that estimate is already in the bank through funds committed by the city and private donations. "But with the help of the Kansas City business community, grants and personal tax deductible donations this project can and will be completed."
If unable to attend, please check www.waldotower.org on how to make a tax deductible donation.
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