Water tower enhancements to be a lasting gift in Western Springs

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This is a drawing of the proposed improvements for the Western Springs Tower. The improvements are to be a gift of the village's Legacy Commitee in celebration of Western Springs' 125th anniversary in 2011. | Drawing courtesy of Village of Western Springs

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Updated: February 20, 2012 8:35AM

Several ideas for a legacy gift in celebration of Western Springs’ 125th anniversary in 2011 were discussed by the Legacy Committee formed to come up with an idea and organize the fund-raising that will be necessary to make the gift a reality.

But when the idea of doing something to enhance the village’s historical water tower was brought to light, darkness fell on other past of suggestions.

“Everyone loved the idea of doing something for the water tower,” said Ingrid Velkme, the village’s director of administrative services who served on the committee as a liaison along with about 10-12 residents and business people from Western Springs.

“The water tower is the focal point of the village, and everyone is proud of it,” Velkme said. “Everyone wanted to enhance an existing structure in the village and loved the idea of doing something with the water tower to make it a more friendly area.”

The enhancement plans include rebuilding of the existing stairs, adding an area with benches so that visitors have a place to sit, and a commemorative medallion on the sidewalk at the water tower, honoring the quasquicentennial year of 2011.

“People love the area at the tower, and with these enhancements it will make people want to spend more time there,” said Marty Scott, the village’s director of Community Development. “I think everyone feels very good about doing something to make the Tower Green area more appealing.”

Former Western Springs Trustee Janet Dahl was a member of the Legacy Committee that to date has raised about $47,000 toward the Tower Green enhancements. The funds have come from companies doing business in the village, merchants and residents.

“As we walked through the village, we saw what you see today: our water tower, beautiful and stately; a wonderful symbol of our town,” Dahl said. “We also saw that her stairs were a little worn, and not quite grand enough for Grand Avenue and Hillgrove. So, we went to the village and expressed our dream of sprucing up the tower so she retains her iconic beauty.”

The water tower in Western Springs historically has represented a central part of the village, having previously been home to the Village Hall and police station. It houses the Western Springs Historical Society.

Restoring the stairs in the water tower will be the first order of business in the planned enhancements and is slated to take place in 2012. Installation of benches and the medallion will follow.

Velkme said the Legacy Committee plans to meet again to consider ways to raise more money.

“They really want this to be a lasting legacy,” Velkme said.