A new paint job is underway that will transform the 17th Avenue water tower in Silvis, Illinois, into something a little more unusual -- a giant golf ball and tee.
The idea was first proposed more than a year ago by second ward alderman Matt Carter. Now, work has finally begun to paint the tower's base dark green and the top white with grey dimples. Carter believes the water tower will serve as the town's biggest billboard, as well as a tribute to the annual golf tournament that calls the city home.
"I think it's a great idea. It looks pretty old. I think that it looks pretty funny from the beginnings of it, but I think in the end it'll be good for our community to have something new," said neighbor Katie McKean.
The tower was due for a paint job one way or another. The custom paint job, though, will cost an extra $30,000. Carter says the project is coming in under budget, and no increase in taxes or fees was needed to complete it.
Some neighbors News Eight spoke with Monday called the project a waste of money. Others, though, thought it could be just what the city needs.
"I think it's cool for the most part. I just hope it doesn't increase traffic around the neighborhood, there's a lot of kids in the neighborhood, and it's not really policed that well. People fly up and down this street all the time," said Nick Burnett.
The new paint job is expected to last 40 years longer than the current 20-year paint, so Silvis residents could be seeing 60 more years of the unique tower. As long as the weather cooperates, the project is expected to be finished by May 31st.