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Iconic Cleveland water tower could get possible makeover

If the project gets the green light, they are "shooting for this summer, but still working through the final timeline".

You have passed it probably more times than you can count. Now the water tower off the shore way on Cleveland’s Westside is in for a facelift.

It’s stood tall for more than 40 years.

White, and plain, but like so much in this city, it’s about to get better.

People passionate about Cleveland see a blank canvas with huge potential and they are calling on a popular artist to give it a specific Cleveland signature.

Sam3 is a Spanish artist celebrated for his large scale murals.

"I want it to be big and bold Something that says we are open to diversity in this community because we truly are," said Linda Somers, who lives in Ohio City’s Mariner’s Wharf building.

Sam3 was in Ohio City Wednesday night hearing out a whole room full of people passionate about this up and coming place they call home.

"Everything in the city is evolving so let’s do something and let's come together and create something different," was one poignant point from the meeting of minds at the Mariner’s Wharf on Wednesday.

The creative people behind LAND studio, based in Ohio City are calling on their neighbors to weigh in.

"I just want it to be timeless and really add to the neighborhood's aesthetic," said Kathryn Fondren, of Ohio City.

Consider the Cleveland skyline, the group said.

Consider the lake,consider the immigrants who call Cleveland home, consider diversity,consider the very vibe of the neighborhood that is nationally recognized for unmistakable growth and energy.

Ohio city where more people, even families, are choosing to live.

"I can walk to the flats. I can walk downtown. I can walk to the market, to my bank to 5 breweries and I don't know how many restaurants," said Sommers.

It's to be a sort of welcome sign to all of that. So the tower has to fit in with all that's special here.

"I like the idea we're going to try to tie Gordon Square to Hingetown with artwork all along Detroit," Sommers added.

You won't be footing the bill for the artwork in your water bill.

According to the Cleveland Water Department, capital maintenance is something they would be doing anyway.

The artwork would be paid for with private donations form the arts community with no rate payer dollars being used for the art itself.

If the project gets the green light, they are "shooting for this summer, but still working through the final timeline".

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