Toppling Of Water Tower In Hallandale Beach
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – With a loud thud, a piece of Hallandale Beach history fell to earth Thursday morning. High winds delayed the dismantling of the landmark water tower that's located just across from Gulfstream Park. But at 10 a.m. the signal was given and a large yellow tractor with a cable attached to the tower pulled it down without a hitch.
The 150-foot long tower that weighs 180-thousand pounds was built in 1951 to supply increased demand for water during the Gulfstream Park racing meets. But over time the city put new high capacity water pipes underneath the ground to meet the growing need.
"It would cost more to maintain it than to take it down," said city Spokesman Peter Dobens.
The 62-year-old tower was used until mid-November when it was drained in preparation for deconstruction. demolition. The site of the tower is part of the future expansion of the park.
Chuck Doria saved a light from the tower. He says he climbed the tower as a kid which was commonplace forty years ago.
"The police showed up and told us to come down. We were covered with rust. He said your moms and dads are going to kick your butts when you get home," he recalled.
The tower will be chopped up and hauled away for scrap.
"We cut it up, take it to a scrapyard and then it gets recycled. You guys may be driving around in the water tower one day," said the contractor Bob Santure.
Doria is sentimental about seeing it go.
"You could see it all the way from 95. It's a part of the city."
