The Exponent Online


8/17/2001	Welcome Back Issue

Water tower reflects Purdue pride

Erica Sagon/Managing Editor

TOWER OF PRIDE: The Purdue water tower, located in University Acres on top of Slayter Hill, received a new coat of paint and three Purdue "P" logos.

By Dave Stephens

Assistant Campus Editor

It seems as if everyone is finally jumping on the bandwagon. After years of wearing what appeared to be Indiana red and white, the Purdue water tower finally looks like it belongs in West Lafayette.

The million-gallon water tank was repainted this summer with three Purdue logos painted on the white tank, with the tower painted gold.

The water tower, which needs to be repainted every 10 to 15 years, was originally painted orange and white because of it’s proximity to the airport, but as the color faded over the years, it resembled the colors of IU.

The project was initially to be completed last summer but was put on hold after paint and debris damaged cars parked beneath the water tower. More than 400 cars were appraised for damage from paint chips and blast material.

"It was one of those unfortunate things that happened in a construction project. The contractor made every effort to correct damage done," said Tom Schmenk, director of facilities planning and construction. "The same contractor's working on it now, and he's making it work this time."

The project was put on hold until this summer, when crews finished sandblasting and painting the tower. Both the inside and outside of the tank were repainted to protect against rusting.

Joe Mikesell, director of utilities, said the project had few problems this summer, except for delays caused by weather and equipment problems. He also said the project should be completed within the next few weeks.

"It’s about 98 percent finished," said Mikesell. "We just have some minor touch-ups to do."

Those touch-ups include removing the brackets used during the painting, adding a fence on top to protect cellular equipment and applying a clear coat over the three Purdue logos.

Mikesell said all of the problems caused by the water tower project have been corrected, and that there is no danger for people parking near the tower.

Related Coverage

Headlines