Vernon Tower: Built Via Government Program, Now Being Fixed Via One

VERNON, CT — Vernon's landmark Fox Hill Tower was built through a government program, now it's going to be refurbished through one as well.

That's one thing Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said he had in mind when he filed for funds through the State Bond Commission to fix the 85-year-old tower, which is showing signs of age. Earlier this month, the bond commission allocated $2.5 million for the restoration work.

The tower sits atop Henry Park and overlooks Downtown Rockville and the Connecticut River Valley. It is an iconic symbol of Vernon and is featured in the town seal and on street signs. The annual fireworks show is fired off from the tower and, during the holidays, a large star hangs from the tower to serve as a seasonal beacon of good cheer that can be seen for miles.

The tower was built in 1937 during the Great Depression as a federal Works Progress Administration project and was intended to serve as a memorial to Vernon's war heroes. The WPA was an employment and infrastructure program created to get Americans back to work.

Now, during the great pandemic, it is set for state assistance to pay for extensive masonry restoration, concrete repair, repainting and state-of-the-art lighting an upgraded accessibility. The trademark iron door that leads to the viewing rotunda will also be refurbished, according to the plans.

Though the estimates from a town-hired engineering firm are nearly double what the state awarded Vernon, Champagne said the $2.5 million could pay for most of the work. He said the town would find the extra money if needed.

Champagne submitted the request through the state Senate, of which he is a member representing the 35th District.

"Fox Hill Tower is a Vernon landmark and a centerpiece of so many activities, such as July in the Sky,"
Champagne said. "I am thankful the Bond Commission shares my view that investing in the tower and
preserving a regional landmark is worthwhile for Vernon and Connecticut."

Champagne Thursday said there is no timetable yet for the project, but added town officials will huddle soon to discuss options.