Trying to spot Allen from your airplane window? The task will soon be a bit easier thanks to two new water storage tanks being built off Exchange Parkway and Junction Drive.
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) ground storage tanks will stand six stories tall and hold a combined 27 million gallons of water. After noting the tanks would be located under a flight path, the City of Allen worked with NTMWD to include a unique feature: a painting of the City of Allen logo and website on top of the tanks.
“Every plane headed to DFW will know we’re Allen, Texas,” said Mayor Stephen Terrell.
NTMWD originally planned to build the tanks on two separate sites, but chose to consolidate them after working with City of Allen staff. City planners and engineers also requested that the tanks be moved back from Exchange Parkway to reduce visibility and allow for future development.
Following discussions with city staff, NTMWD agreed to additional upgrades to improve the tanks’ aesthetics. The sides of the tank will feature arched concrete instead of a flat surface. Rather than installing a chain-link fence, the site will be surrounded by an eight-foot masonry wall and enhanced landscaping.
“They have come to the consensus to decorate them and make them look a little bit different. They’ve backed off Exchange, not putting them right next to it,” noted Mayor Terrell.
The tanks will help meet the needs of NTMWD’s growing customer base, including the City of Allen. The district is investing $365 million in water infrastructure improvements in 2017, according to its website.
Allen City Council unanimously approved the concept plan during the July 25 meeting. NTMWD expects to begin construction this month. The tanks will be operational by February 2019.
Water tank rendering provided by North Texas Municipal Water District