Fundraiser launched to ‘freshen up’ O4W Water Tower

corner of Auburn Avenue and Irwin Street in the

Fourth Ward has been a local landmark and wayfinder for more than a century. Now, a movement is afoot to “freshen up” the water tower and, eventually, activate the greenspace around it.

Local nonprofit Sweet Auburn Works – a coalition of neighbors, business owners and volunteers – is working through the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Cities Project sponsored by Heineken beer to raise $15,000 for the project by June 30. Those who make a donation can win perks like tickets to see Bruno Mars, art prints and more.

As part of the revitalization project, rubble and garbage will be cleared from inside the tower where local artist Greg

Mike will paint a mural depicting the history of Atlanta. Outside, the structure will be power washed to remove graffiti and new cast iron windows and a door will be installed.

Sweet Auburn Works also hopes to eventually use the greenspace around the water tower for community events. The tower, built for a mere $6,000 in 1906, was constructed to provide a water suppression system for the cotton compress factory, which is now the site of Studioplex.

To make a donation, visit https://igg. me/at/sweetauburnwatertower/x

The century-old water tower in the Old Fourth Ward is currently closed and full of debris, but a renovation plan would give it new a life.