Cuthbert Water Tower
The Cuthbert Water Tower was built in 1895 as the city’s first water tower and holds unique significance as the country’s only water tower positioned in the middle of a federal highway. Despite the construction of US Highway 82 in the 1940s, the water tower remained in place, becoming an enduring landmark in Randolph County. However, since the 1970s, deterioration plagued the structure, exacerbated by the high cost of maintenance. Recognized as a Place in Peril by the Georgia Trust in 2018, community efforts spearheaded by the city and the non-profit, We Love Cuthbert, culminated in a successful restoration project, aided by a 1772 Foundation grant received in 2023. Through collaborative endeavors and volunteer support, the water tower underwent extensive restoration, showcasing the community’s unwavering dedication to preserving its heritage.
Awards for Excellence in Restoration recognize exemplary restoration of historic structures. An accurate restoration project depicts the form, features and character of a historic building as it appeared at a particular period of time. Restoration requires sensitive upgrading of mechanical systems and other code-required work to make the site functional.
