Lewes BPW seeks ideas for water tower design

The Lewes Board of Public Works will refurbish and repaint the city's water tower later this year. With that, the BPW is allowing the public to submit ideas for a design to be placed on the tower.

There has been some interest in the community to spice up the tower's design; the current design simply says “Lewes.” General Manager Darrin Gordon said the BPW will entertain all ideas, though organizations should not look to advertise on the tower.

Ideas should be submitted to dgordon@lewesbpw.com by Friday, May 20. The board will discuss and likely make a decision on the design at its Wednesday, May 25 meeting. A quick turnaround is needed because, Gordon said, he plans to send the project out to bid shortly following the meeting and the design must be included in the bid.

If a group's idea is selected, Gordon said, it will be expected to pay the cost of the design. If the board chooses to move forward with its own design, it will use its own funds.

The BPW is refurbishing the tower in lieu of replacement, which saves the BPW about $500,000, Gordon said. The tower is more than adequate for the city's needs, he said.

“We'll have a clean, solid tower that will last us for another 20 years,” Gordon said.