A Piece Of Brookings History To Come Down This May

Brookings, South Dakota, is preparing to say goodbye to a familiar piece of its skyline, one that’s been quietly watching over the city for over 70 years!

The iconic 6th Street Water Tower, a longtime Brookings landmark, is set to be demolished starting Monday, May 11. If you’ve ever driven through town or spent time near South Dakota State University, chances are you’ve spotted the six-column structure standing tall. Now, after 78 years, its run is coming to an end.

Brookings Municipal Utilities will begin dismantling the 250,000-gallon water tower, which has been out of service since 2019. That’s when a newer, more modern water tower on 4th Street was put into service.

Get our free mobile app

Yes, even infrastructure eventually needs an upgrade, just like your phone or your favorite downtown coffee spot. That upgrade is finally taking place starting next week in the Scoreboard Town.

Originally constructed in 1948 by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, the 6th Street Water Tower has been more than just a utility structure. It’s been a recognizable part of the Brookings skyline for generations.

According to Brookings Community Construction, the demolition is part of a larger effort to modernize the city’s water infrastructure. And while progress is necessary, it doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier, especially to something that’s been part of the scenery for nearly eight decades.

In addition to the tower itself, crews will also remove three equipment sheds, cellular equipment, and underground piping tied to the site. The entire project is expected to wrap up later this summer.

READ MORE:  FedEx is Relocating in Sioux Falls

So, if you’re feeling a little nostalgic, you might want to take the 50-mile trek north to Brookings before Monday and take one last drive down 6th Street. Snap a photo, soak in the view, and maybe give the old water tower a silent thank-you.