Loudon water tower is a beacon for downtown visitors
Visitors to Loudon are now greeted by a freshly painted, high-profile landmark. Thanks to the Loudon Utilities Board’s purchase and painting of the city’s downtown water tower, all those headed into city are greeted by the new, fresh face of the structure, proclaiming “Historic Loudon Tennessee 1817.”
Reactions to the renovated landmark have been overwhelmingly positive and tourism officials are lauding the effort as a benefit for tourism as well as community development. “Residents love for their community to look beautiful just as much as visitors like to visit beautiful places,” said Rachel Baker, Executive Director for Visit Loudon County.
Visitors to Loudon County make a significant economic impact and the county’s lakefront recreational opportunities as well as its historic downtowns are among the area’s most popular attractions. The tower at once combines a message of vitality as well as historic preservation.
After the utilities board purchased the land on which the tower sits in late 2017, the update of the tower itself was a number one priority. Now the city is poised to proceed with land use planning and promotion of the Loudon riverfront property. City officials report they are currently planning the future design of the approximately 11-acre site and are beginning to market it to potential anchor tenants.
Among the proposed site improvements are options for businesses, attractions and walking and biking areas that will be welcome assets for the efforts of Visit Loudon County. The organization recently developed a strategic plan to invest heavily in brand awareness to bring more visitors to the county. A primary strategy in that plan is to create opportunities that encourage visitors to enjoy the county’s trails and lakes and also connect to downtown shopping and dining. Redevelopment projects such as this one can provide just such opportunities.
For more information from Visit Loudon County, visit www.visitloudoncounty.com.