Officials weigh in on 'IMAG' water tower demolition in Fort Myers

The iconic 90-year-old water tower in Fort Myers is facing demolition after being deemed not up to building codes.

The city evaluated its options and decided that tearing down the tower is the most financially responsible choice.

The city reported that reinforcing the structure to meet code requirements would cost $8.4 million, whereas demolition will cost just under $500,000. Additionally, the city will compensate the IMAG History and Science Museum $133,000 for the week of commission it will lose during the demolition process. The museum will also purchase a new sign.

The IMAG History and Science Museum's legacy is closely tied to the water tower. When the museum opened in 1995, its logo, featuring a silhouette of the tower, was painted on it. However, both the city and the museum agree that the cost of reinforcing the tower is unjustifiable.

"It's bittersweet for us, but I completely support the city's position on this," said Matthew Johnson, executive director of IMAG History and Science Museum. "The cost to save it cannot be justified for basically a giant 200-foot sign. If you want to invest that sort of money in IMAG, I've got some other projects I would love to talk to you about."

City Councilor Terolyn Watson expressed her sadness over the decision, reflecting on her childhood memories of the tower.

"I'm so used to seeing that big water tower. It's just gonna feel different to me. I can't just put it in my heart to move to this tear down, but I'm gonna miss it, 'cause that's all I know from being a kid, is a big water tower," said Watson.

The museum plans to preserve the site's legacy by saving about 20 feet of the tower's legs and transforming it into a pavilion for families to visit.