ANDERSONVILLE — Friday marks the one-year anniversary of when the iconic blue-and-yellow water tower tank had to be removed from the roof of the Swedish American Museum.
Considered a neighborhood staple, the 90-year-old water tower tank, which is painted to resemble the Swedish flag, was removed last March in a 13-hour operation after a brutal winter caused irreparable damage. The tank's base cracked under a thick piece of ice, allowing water to leak directly into the museum.
Since then, the museum has been trying to raise $150,000 to build a replica tower in its place. So far, it's raised just over $100,000, according to a news release.
"This time last year, it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel; the loss of the water tower was a huge blow," said Karin Moen Abercrombie, executive director of the museum, in a release.
"With outpouring of support from our community, our members and people around the world, we not only see the light, we see that we have been stronger by this experience."
Fans of the original tank can take a piece home with them, as Chicago artist Peter Dunham has made a limited amount of commemorative pieces using wood salvaged from the tank. Proceeds go toward the water tower fund. The museum store also carries other tower-related art and merchandise.
Donations can be made online or by visiting the museum.
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