HAMBURG, N.Y. (WBEN) It's been five years since local residents started hearing about plans to turn the vacant old water tower in Hamburg into a giant hamburger.
To this day, the old blue, rusty water tower has been untouched.
Chris Hannotte is trying to change that.
The Hamburg resident and Hamburger water tower committee chair, is relaunching an effort to transform the top of the tower into a massive burger, with a patty, lettuce, condiments, toppings and a bun.
"After a two year hiatus, we're finally relaunching the hamburger water tower project," said Hannotte. The project was paused due to the Covid pandemic,
but it's being relaunched this Saturday, July 16, at BurgerFest in the town.
"We've been able to cut our fundraising goal in half by changing our plan and doing an overcoat, as opposed to a total replacement of the paint." A winning design of the rendering was chosen in 2018 following a community vote.
Originally the committee was trying to raise a million dollars for the project, but since they've agreed to simply put a top coat on the tower, and not sand it down, the cost has been reduced to $500-thousand dollars.
"We're applying for grants," added Hannotte. "Eighty percent of the cost is for the restoration of the water tower. Thirty years of deferred maintenance makes this a much more expensive project. Painting the design itself, is a fraction of the cost." The non profit is trying to raise 25% matching funds.
The tower is currently owned by the Town of Hamburg. There is not a drop of water in the tower. It is currently being used as cell phone towers.
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"This is a great economic development opportunity," said Hannotte. "If we paint it, they will come."
"Hamburgers are an iconic American food," Hannotte previously told WBEN. "We've got Weber Mustard located here, Sahlen Hot Dogs, Ted's, Anderson's, why not have this hamburger? Again, it will help put us more prominently on the map."
She said millions of people drive by the water tower every year along the New York State Thruway. The elevated tower stands prominently near exit 57.
The group will be set up at BurgerFest, asking people to sign a petition to show their support for the project.
You can read more about the project on their website, Hamburgerwatertower.com
