The City of Whitewater will ask voters to weigh in on the future of the Starin Park Water Tower through a non-binding referendum during the November 5th, 2024 election. The Whitewater Common Council approved the following question for the ballot:
“The City of Whitewater Water Utility has decommissioned the Starin Park Water Tower,
meaning it is no longer part of the water system. The Water Utility can spend up to $600,000 (the cost of demolition) to maintain it as a City-owned Historical Landmark. The remaining costs, approximately $1,000,000 for repairs and $250,000 every 10 years for maintenance would need to come from City tax dollars or donations. Should the City of Whitewater use tax dollars to repair and maintain the Starin Park Water Tower?”

The referendum is non-binding, meaning it serves as an advisory vote to gauge public opinion. While it does not carry legal force, the results will provide important insights to guide the Common Council in making the final decision on whether to preserve or demolish the historic water tower.

Historical Significance and Structural Assessment
The Starin Park Water Tower was built in 1889 and served the community until the new
Southwest Water Tower became operational in 2022. The structure stands approximately 100 feet tall, with a 70-foot masonry base and a 30-foot steel tank. On December 14, 2022, the water was removed from the tower, and it was officially decommissioned.

A structural analysis, conducted by McEnroe Consulting Engineers in January 2023, found the water tower to be in “good condition with some elements in fair condition,” though maintenance and repairs are needed to ensure its long-term stability. Key structural concerns include:

• Stone cracking and deterioration
• Cracked stone at the entry arch
• Deteriorated mortar joints at the exterior and interior
• Corroding steel at the base of the tank

The report estimates repair costs between $950,000 and $1,100,000, with additional ongoing maintenance costs of $250,000 every 10 years.

Cost of Preservation vs. Demolition
In addition to repair costs, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for
demolishing the water tower. The phased approach to repair includes an initial repair budget of $600,000, with future phases costing $420,000 and $320,000, respectively. The total project cost by 2026 is projected to reach $1.6 million, which includes repairs, engineering, and project
management.

As part of the report, McEnroe Consulting provided an estimate of $600,000 for demolishing the water tower. This cost would be the responsibility of the Whitewater Water Utility. If the water tower is not demolished, the Whitewater Water Utility can put the $600,000 toward the repairs of the water tower. The remaining costs to repair, including engineering and project management costs, are estimated at $1 million for the year 2026. The remaining $1 million would need to come from City tax dollars or donations.

Referendum Impact
The outcome of the November referendum will help inform the Common Council as they
consider the community’s input and determine the future of the Starin Park Water Tower. The question of whether to preserve this historic landmark as a City-owned asset or demolish it due to its financial burden is a critical issue for the city.

Voters are encouraged to participate in the referendum on November 5th, 2024, to have their voices heard on the future of this important local landmark.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the City of Whitewater.

The following was posted in a previous article in the Banner regarding the tower:

“According to the Architectural & Historical Survey of Whitewater (Cartwright, 2008; pg. 50), ‘The best example of stone construction in the city is the water tower in Starin Park, built in 1889. The regularly coursed rusticated limestone walls are laid up in stepped sections that expand from larger to smaller as the structure rises. The walls are accented with belt courses and round arches. Also historically significant, the water tower is distinctive for its stone construction and potentially eligible for the National Register.’ “

The image on the homepage was posted in a previous Banner article, with this information from the Whitewater Historical Society: “This view from 1889 shows the building crew completing the metal tank on the old water tower in Starin Park. The water tower was part of the new water system installed in that year that included a pump house, a water reservoir, and several miles of pipe. Because of the new water tower, the old water tower will be decommissioned after over 130 years of service.”