Eagan's Skyline Gets a Little Brighter with New Tower

If you looked towards the horizon just after 5 p.m. in Eagan Tuesday, you may have seen a glowing tower near the community center. The illumination was from the official lighting of the city's new telecommunications tower.

The replacement of the old 500,000 gallon Sperry water tower in Eagan with the telecommunications tower is complete. Lighting of the tower after sunset each day will become standard operations for the latest addition to the Eagan skyline.

Demolition of the Sperry water tower began in May. The tower hadn't held water since 2009, according to the city. Construction on the new tower began Oct. 7.

According to officials, the tower will:

• provide a free-standing communications structure with consideration for aesthetic value.
• incorporate elements of stealth to cover occupant equipment, including antennas.
• provide an improved level of service for area residents and businesses respective of voice, data, streaming and EMS radio coverage.

LED lighting will be installed to illuminate the exterior of the structure and provide a nighttime aesthetic presence, officials say.

Construction crews used galvanized steel, in lieu of painting, to provide up to a 50 year life cycle specific to structural components, reducing maintenance frequency as compared to the old water tower.

Image via City of Eagan