MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown and West Virginia University skyline will get an upgrade in the coming months with a new look for the University Water Tower on the Evansdale campus.
“The heartfelt pride we all feel for this University should be physically reflected on our campus grounds which serve as a critical initial introduction for visitors — whether they be prospective students, University supporters or community members,” WVU President Michael T. Benson said.
“The highly visible WVU Water Tower serves as a beacon that reminds us of the important work we are doing each day to prepare our students for the world. It encourages us all to look up with optimism.”
Hope Gas is sponsoring the project to ensure site safety, structural integrity and ease of maintenance after the work is complete.
“Such a recognizable campus fixture must reflect the best of West Virginia’s University and I am grateful for our strong partnership with Hope Gas which will allow us to make necessary improvements,” Benson said.
Crews will mobilize soon to begin cleaning the tank surface and painting/sealing the “Flying WV” logo at the top will follow. The tank was last painted in 2007.
Monongalia County-based City Neon will design the LED lighting that illuminate the University logo for all to see during events across campus.
“There are so many things to celebrate in Morgantown and across West Virginia,” Morgan O’Brien, Hope Gas president and CEO, said. “Hope Gas is proud to support President Benson’s vision of refurbishing an already recognizable fixture in Morgantown to visually celebrate the big wins of Mountaineers.”
You asked and we will deliver:
Thanks to our partners @hopegas the iconic Evansdale water tower is getting a complete overhaul with fresh paint & 4 backlit flying WV logos visible for miles
Let’s Go!https://t.co/Df5T7AxBoC pic.twitter.com/ALjnUOkbZk
— Michael T. Benson (@michaeltbenson) September 19, 2025
The projected timeline for completion of the upgrade work is weather dependent.
O’Brien noted the work would not be possible without partnerships with the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades and the International Union Painters and Allied Trades District Council 53.
“Skilled trades are an essential part of the everyday work conducted at Hope Gas and play an important role in countless projects,” O’Brien said. “The hard work and expertise of our skilled trades partners will bring this project to life and I would like to thank them for their support.”
The water tower has been part of the landscape for the Evansdale area of campus since the 1960s and at one time the 80,000 gallon storage tank served as a “surge tank” for fire suppression systems and drinking water.
“The work of our highly skilled trades men and women will be showcased as we help turn the WVU Water Tower into an asset that will celebrate University successes for many years to come,” said Justin Williams, director of the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades.
“This project highlights the real value partnerships among industry, labor and education can bring to communities across the Mountain State.”
The improvements are funded through the WVU Foundation.