Fort Myers bids farewell to historic water tower

FORT MYERS - An iconic piece of Fort Myers history is officially coming down. The water tower next to the IMAG History & Science Center has stood for more than 90 years, becoming a landmark that generations have grown up with. Fort Myers City Council unanimously approved nearly half a million dollars for its demolition.

During a meeting at Fort Myers City Hall, council members approved an amendment to a cooperative agreement, adding nearly $495,000 to cover the demolition of the water tower. This brings the total five-year contract with Utility Services Company to more than $4.1 million. Additionally, the council approved $133,000 in compensation to the IMAG History & Science Center for impacts related to the demolition.

City officials explained that the tower is no longer used in the water system, and the cost to preserve it under current safety codes would be too expensive. IMAG leaders described the decision as bittersweet but said parts of the tower, including its legs, will be repurposed into a new pavilion on site to preserve its history.

Winnette Crumpton, a local resident, expressed her sentiments about the tower's removal.

"It's iconic history as same as that McCollum Hall. To me, I don't ever want to see those two buildings. It's just something that I've always remembered as being disclosed living in the community. I'm just two blocks away from the McCollum Hall, and it's cater corner to the imaginary and my house faces the north, and I always have came out the house and saw those two buildings, and I would love to see them remain standing," said Crumpton.

While many longtime residents wish the tower could stay, city leaders are looking ahead to a new chapter for IMAG. Demolition is expected to happen by the end of the year.