The 90-year-old IMAG water tower, a longtime landmark southeast of downtown Fort Myers, is scheduled for demolition in April, weather permitting.
The 185-foot tower, which once stored part of the city’s water supply, now primarily serves as a visual marker for the IMAG History & Science Center at 2000 Cranford Ave., off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
On March 2, Fort Myers City Council unanimously approved spending $494,746 to dismantle and remove the tower and two adjoining lime silos. The structures remained from a former municipal water treatment plant after community volunteers established The Imaginarium science museum in the early 1990s. The museum opened in 1995 and became known for immersive, hands-on exhibits. In 2017, it merged with the Southwest Florida Museum of History as an independent nonprofit and rebranded as the IMAG History & Science Center.
A 2020 evaluation by engineering firm Black & Veatch found that upgrading the tower to meet current safety standards and building codes would cost about $8.4 million.
IMAG Executive Director Matthew Johnson described the decision as “bittersweet” but said he supports the city’s plan.
“It’s not a realistic goal to have an $8 million sign,” Johnson said.
While the tower’s removal marks the end of an era, Johnson told council members the museum is on strong footing. Since rebranding in 2017, IMAG has shifted toward a more sustainable operating model. Between 2017 and 2025, city contributions declined from nearly 50% of total revenue to less than 6%, dropping from more than $800,000 to about $50,000, Johnson said.
During that same period, IMAG generated more than $3 million in private contributions and $7 million in earned revenue, serving more than 1 million visitors. The museum reinvested about $1 million into more than 25 new or enhanced exhibits, including a Stingray Bay touch tank, an expanded Gulf Coast Weather Studio and a new after-school STEM program.
IMAG also announced new and expanded partnerships with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The museum estimates it has generated a $22.4 million economic impact since 2017 through direct and indirect spending.
The IMAG History & Science Center operates at 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers. Officials say the museum has generated more than $22 million in economic impact since 2017.
Evan Williams
Fundraising and refreshing exhibits remain ongoing challenges.
“It’s a never-ending challenge to keep operating,” Johnson said. “People expect new stuff all the time. It’s always what’s new. We are really pleased with how we’re doing but [we have] plenty of challenges. It’s a business.”
IMAG’s annual fundraising gala, Party Like it’s 1776, is scheduled for Nov. 13 and will commemorate America’s 250th birthday while supporting exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs.
Utility Services Co. is expected to dismantle the tower and silos either between April 12 and 19, weather permitting, or between October and December. IMAG plans to close for five days during demolition.
The demolition cost was added to the city’s five-year, $4,152,870 agreement with Utility Services Co. to maintain Fort Myers’ water storage tanks. The contract also includes interior and exterior renovations at four water storage facilities.
City Council approved $133,483 in compensation to IMAG for the temporary closure, construction of a new canopy to replace shade provided by the tower and new signage.
Lee Designs LLC was contracted for $95,600, excluding taxes and permit fees, to refurbish IMAG’s entrance signage and install new signs with LED message centers. Coastal Canvas & Awning Co. will install a $29,883 canopy using structural columns remaining from the tower.