Money flows into Greendale's Hose Tower project

Greendale - The Greendale Historical Society still plans to have the Hose Tower renovations completed by 2013, in time for Greendale's 75th anniversary.

The Village Board recently agreed to match the full $100,000 raised in 2011 and 2012 by the Historical Society to convert the former fire department facility into a public community room.

"We will match what they raised, and at the end of two years we are done," Village President John Hermes said. "I don't think the Greendale taxpayers can afford much more at this point. I would ask that (members of) the Historical Society put every foot forward to raise as much money as they can."

Ted Mainella, president of the Greendale Historical Society, said part of the money it has raised for the project has come from grant awards, member donations, fundraising, and projects members administered in the community.

The Historical Society has now raised in excess of $188,000 from these sources, Mainella said.

"We have been working in close cooperation with the village on this renovation," Mainella said. "The Historical Society is spearheading the project, but the tower is still the village's property."

The Historical Society has helped reinstall the original windows of the Hose Tower, and this summer they hope to install public bathrooms that are handicapped accessible.

Mainella said he and the rest of the Greendale Historical Society thank the board of trustees for their support in the society's continued efforts.

The Society will have an open house at the Hose Tower at 6:30 p.m. July 26, when architect Jim Read will be explaining the remaining plans for the tower. This meeting is open to the public and food and beverages will be served.

To find out more about the Hose Tower renovations or to donate money to the cause, visitwww.thegreendalehistoricalsociety.org.