Now sports a new look
The 250,000 gallon water tower that overlooks Delta State has recently been refurbished. Forrest Upchurch, project manager at Delta State University, explained the process as both a practical necessity and a new beginning for the campus landmark.
For decades, the water tower has stood tall just north of the Coliseum, a fixture that can be spotted from Highway 8. But after years without a major update, the university committed to a complete overhaul. The work involved stripping the inside, sealing the structure, and restoring the outside with a fresh coat of paint that is now turning heads across Cleveland.
“We had a full renovation of the water tower, both the interior and exterior,” said Upchurch. “The tower had to be completely emptied and cleaned both inside and out. Now the exterior has a brand new shiny paint job.
The decision to renovate was not driven by an emergency or repair need but by foresight. Upchurch explained that water towers, while durable, still require maintenance to extend their life span.
“One, water towers need to be cleaned up on a regular basis,” he said. “When you do a full renovation like this, you’re extending the life of the water tower. If we didn’t do a renovation in the next couple of years, the renovation cost to do it would have grown exponentially.”
The project was contracted through USG Water Solutions. The agreement covered both the initial renovation and a five-year maintenance program.
“We went into a service contract with them which included a complete refurbishment of the water tower, interior and exterior, as well as a five-year maintenance program,” he said. “The total cost for the work was roughly around $175k.”
The tower, which once carried simple green block letters spelling “Delta State,” also received a new identity. The design, chosen with input from university leadership and student representatives, introduces a bold image tied closely to the spirit of the campus.
“If you’re driving north down Fifth Avenue, you are now going to be stared down by the most intimidating vegetable you’ve ever seen,” said Upchurch. “It’s the fighting okra eyes!”
The design, he added, went through careful review by President Dan Ennis, the Vice President, Provost, and student leaders. Now complete, it serves as a striking symbol for students, alumni, and visitors alike.
“I think when everyone drives by, they are going to be proud and excited about it,” he said. “Because it looms over all of campus, we really wanted it to be something that got everyone on campus and the city of Cleveland would love.”
For Upchurch, the project was more than just updating an old structure. It was about ensuring a campus centerpiece which will remain strong for years to come and will be one of the first things people see when they drive into Cleveland.