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Tower Homes Association (THA) is proud to be the Waldo Tower's biggest fan. After all, the 13-story, crenellated, concrete icon is their namesake and the geographic and symbolic heart of their neighborhood--why wouldn't they be stewards of its restoral?
Now, after a modest startup donation from THA a couple of years ago, the Waldo Tower Historic Society (WTHS) is a full-fledged non-profit organization barreling ahead with a multi-year campaign to see the tower restored to gleaming white glory and historic accuracy. The Society has already gotten heartening response from the city in completing a condition report that lays out the feasibility and priorities for conducting historic preservation on the venerable tower. That report indicates that the structure is basically sound but needs a new roof, a new egress and ladder on the inside, removal of non-original features and extensive surface treatment-it's a massive project, and could cost up to $800,000.00 when all is complete.
Landscaping, interpretive signage and even a webcam on top round out the vision for an impressive community restoral effort. Continued city funding, community donations, grants and corporate sponsorships are all in the works as stakeholders come together to make this worthy dream a reality. WTHS has set a goal of $50,000 for 2011 to pay for design costs.
Where do you come in? Well...at The Well. The WTHS is hosting its inaugural Tower Power Happy Hour at the popular restaurant on Thursday, April 7 at 5:30. On hand will be local dignitaries, food and drink specials, a variety of presentations to acquaint tower fans with all the renovations envisioned, and your chance to connect with this project and join the Tower Team to save our favorite tower. Please plan to attend!