Preserving historic structures

Elk River’s water tower is nearly a century old. The structure on Jackson Street near downtown was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

Constructed in 1920, the water tower’s purpose was to protect businesses from fire because several previous fires had damaged the business district. The tower could be characterized as a historic economic development project, since protection from fire helped ensure business sustainability and growth.

The Jackson Street water tower is undergoing restoration and repainting so that it may serve as a reminder of Elk River’s history for years to come.