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Read the press release here.

Andersonville Water Tank Restoration Fundraiser Happening Monday

 The water tower tank.
The water tower tank.
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DNAinfo/Adeshina Emmanuel

ANDERSONVILLE — The Swedish American Museum is launching its first fundraising event aimed at restoring the neighborhood's beloved water tower tank, which was removed from the roof of the museum last month after sustaining damage in the winter.

The water tower tank, painted blue and yellow to look like a Swedish flag, has sat in the museum's parking lot at West Foster and North Ashland avenues since it was taken from the roof last month.

"The skyline above Andersonville is a little empty these days," the museum at 5211 N. Clark St. says on its website. "As a symbol of Andersonville, we hope to be able to restore the water tower so it can once again return to the roof of the museum."

To make the restoration a reality, the museum is holding a cocktail reception Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to benefit "The Water Tower Fund." Tickets are $25, and all proceeds will go to fixing the tank, according to the museum.

Andersonville has roots as a Swedish settlement, but these days it's a diverse, trendy community with a less prominent Swedish presence in terms of people and businesses than in the past.

Some locals fear the tank's absence could diminish the neighborhood's identity as a former Swedish enclave, and many neighbors have already pledged to dig into their wallets to help.

Museum Executive Director Karin Abercrombie said the effort could cost a minimum of $150,000 and upwards of $200,000.

Last month, Groupon offered a promotion to gather donations for the tank restoration. More than 350 people pitched in, according to Groupon. The amount raised through the promotion was not immediately available.

To donate to the Water Tower Fund, click here. To buy tickets to tonight's fundraiser, click here.