End of an Era: Deconstruction Of Coon Rapids' Iconic Foley Water Tower Begins

End of an Era: Deconstruction Of Coon Rapids' Iconic Foley Water Tower Begins

COON RAPIDS, MN – A long-standing sentinel of the Coon Rapids skyline, the Foley Water Tower, is steadily disappearing as crews began the careful process of dismantling the iconic structure this week. The methodical deconstruction marks a visible sign of progress and changing infrastructure needs for the city.

The decommissioned water tower, located at the intersection of Foley and Northdale Boulevards, has been a familiar landmark for residents for decades. According to the City of Coon Rapids, the process of taking down the tower is expected to last approximately two more weeks. Work commenced with the dramatic removal of the tower's roof, a significant piece weighing an estimated 24,000 pounds, which was carefully severed and lowered to the ground by a large crane on or around Wednesday, May 28, 2025. The remainder of the bowl will be taken down in about a dozen pieces, followed by the legs.

The decision to remove the aging Foley tower is part of a broader city plan to modernize its water infrastructure. A new, larger capacity water tower, holding one million gallons (double the capacity of the Foley tower), has already been constructed and is now operational along Highway 610 near Coon Rapids Boulevard. This new tower is designed to improve water pressure consistency and storage for the community.

City officials had identified the need for this upgrade as far back as the 2014 comprehensive water system plan. A 2020 study estimated that repairing the existing Foley tower would cost approximately $1 million, highlighting issues such as structural deficiencies and maintenance needs. The City Council awarded contracts for the demolition of the old Foley water tower and the construction of a new monopole at the site on March 18, 2025.

Once the site of the former Foley Water Tower is cleared, it will not remain empty. Plans are in place to erect a permanent antenna tower (monopole) on the footprint, designed to accommodate cellular users and address modern communication demands.

The deconstruction has evoked a sense of nostalgia among some residents who have grown up with the baby blue tower as a constant backdrop to their lives. Many have reportedly stopped to observe the dismantling process, capturing photos and videos of the tower’s final days. While there's an understanding of the need for progress, the removal undoubtedly signifies the end of a chapter in Coon Rapids' visual history.

The new water tower on Highway 610 features a contemporary white design with a leaf, raccoon, and waterfall motif, alongside the "Coon Rapids" lettering, symbolizing a new era for the city's public utilities. The city has assured residents that there will be no loss of water pressure during this transition, as the new system is already in service.

MinneapoliMedia