POST FALLS — What’s happening with the Spokane Street water tower? 

At the moment, nothing.

But Post Falls officials are looking into ways to fundraise to preserve the iconic landmark between First and Second avenues as part of the city’s future skyline. 

John Beacham, public works director, recently told the City Council that the water tower was constructed in 1908 and hasn’t been a functional holding of the city’s water division for years because its water pressure isn’t up to modern standards. 

“We’re considering if it should become more of a landmark for the city,” Beacham said.  

He noted if local identity wasn’t so tied to the tower, it would be a simple decision to demolish it. 

“It's definitely one of the popular landmarks of downtown Post Falls and there really isn’t an option to keep it and not really invest in it to keep it upright,” Beacham said. 

No major flaws were identified by J-U-B Engineers when it was reviewed for rust and the protection of the foundation.  

The work list to preserve the tower is lengthy: Tightening bracings, reevaluate concrete, sandblast and recoat tower against rust and reevaluate/repair bent pieces. 

The engineering estimate for work is $274,000, with the majority of that cost stemming from sandblasting and paint. 

City Administrator Shelly Enderud said Post Falls could conduct a community survey to see what people would like for the tower's future. 

Through the downtown plan, the water tower area became a mini park.

City Councilor Samantha Steigleder said she would prefer the tower stay in the enterprise fund.   

“I don’t think we should take on another asset for the taxpayers to pay for,” Steigleder said.  

Post Falls officials are considering fundraisers to preserve the water tower as a part of the skyline.  

“It’s such an anchor feature to downtown Post Falls,” City Councilor Aaron Plew said. “I agree it should be spun off.”   

Beacham noted that the department could reasonably donate money that otherwise would be going toward the demolition of the tower to its preservation.

“I do like using the cost of the demo from the enterprise fund and using that toward the cost to preserve it,” City Councilor Randy Westlund said.

Parks and Recreation Director Dave Fair pointed out a tiered fundraising model could be helpful for future conversations about the tower, first looking at necessities, but if monies were raised beyond that, further improvements could be made. 

“We have some time to work on this, it isn’t falling down tomorrow,” Beacham said.    

    Post Falls officials are looking into counteracting rust on the Spokane Street water tower.
  

    The foundation of the Spokane Street water tower is one of the elements city staff say needs to be reviewed if the City Council moves forward to fundraise for the preservation of the landmark.
  

    The Spokane Street water tower in Post Falls.