EDA-approved Stanton Crossing water tank design shows skyline and ‘Staunton’ text; council hears update

City staff presented renderings on June 26 of a proposed painted design for the new elevated water storage tank at Staunton Crossing. The design shows a stylized downtown skyline, Blue Ridge Mountains and the word “Staunton” in bold letters wrapping around the tank’s steel bowl.

Nut graf: The composite-style tank’s concrete pedestal is already visible; the painted portion will wrap around roughly 220 feet of circumference and be visible from I‑81 and regional vantage points. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) unanimously approved the design earlier the same day; council discussed community input, branding consistency and state funding constraints that limited some alternate approaches.

City Engineer Lyle Hart explained the tank is a composite structure (concrete pedestal supporting a 70-foot-diameter steel storage bowl) with about 240 feet from base to top and an approximately 27-foot-high painted canvas area. Staff showed photo renderings of the proposed wraparound graphic superimposed on the in-place pedestal and said the EDA endorsed the concept.

Council members asked about opportunities for broader community design input and whether the design aligns with city branding. Economic-development staff said state funding and program requirements constrained some options and that other public-art opportunities could be pursued downtown or at the Wharf. Councilors generally praised the rendering while noting sight-lines (for drivers on I‑81) and branding consistency as considerations.

Ending: Staff said the design will proceed with the EDA-approved graphic and that the city will pursue complementary public-art and branding opportunities elsewhere in the city.