Wind turbines atop Addison's new water tower will power nearby lights. (Photo: Freese and Nichols)

Addison is on tap to become the first Texas municipality (and one of the few in the country) to build a self-powered water tower that doubles as a piece of art. Wind turbines on top of the tower will provide enough energy to run the tower as well as the street lights on Arapaho Road. The proposal includes a classroom at the base of the tower where people can learn about wind generation and water distribution.

A collaboration of the Town’s Public Works and Parks Departments, Fort Worth engineering firm Freese and Nichols, and Dallas artist Brad Goldberg, the project is expected to go to bid later this year. Construction is scheduled to begin next spring.

• Location:  Arapaho Rd. and Surveyor Blvd.
• 1.5 million gallon storage tank
• 195 feet tall
• Ten (10) 8-foot tall wind turbines on top will supply enough power to run tower as well as street lights on Arapaho Road
• Possibly only wind-powered water tower in Texas; one of few in country
• Classroom at base will provide education on wind energy and water distribution
• Landscaping to include native and drought-tolerant plants
• Engineering firm:  Freese and Nichols, Fort Worth
• Artist: Brad Goldberg, Dallas.  Artist specializes in fusing sculpture, landscape and urban design with the place and local culture of a community
• Timeframe: Expected to go to bid later this year, construction to start spring 2010.

Related Story: Addison Planning Wind-Powered Water Tower