Case Studies - Project Clean Water
Evansdale Water Tower
Project Clean Water
Client: WVU / Hope Gas
Location: Morgantown, WV
Design - Fabrication - Installation - LED Signage
A familiar campus landmark reimagined. The illuminated Flying WV transforms the WVU Water Tower into a beacon of Mountaineer pride, visible across Morgantown.
Overview
For decades, the WVU Water Tower has been a recognizable feature of the Evansdale skyline. When West Virginia University partnered with Hope Gas to restore and enhance the landmark, the goal was to preserve an iconic campus symbol while creating a new way to celebrate University achievements. City Neon brought that vision to life through custom illuminated Flying WV logos and a programmable LED lighting system that transforms the tower into a beacon visible across Morgantown.
Design & Branding
The project centered on elevating the Flying WV from a painted graphic to a fully illuminated architectural feature. Extensive visibility studies revealed that three logo placements would provide stronger sight lines than the original four, maximizing impact from key viewpoints around campus and the surrounding community.
Each logo was designed as a reverse-lit channel letter system, creating a clean halo illumination effect that highlights the University's most recognizable symbol while complementing the tower's cylindrical form.
Engineering & Fabrication
The water tower's curved surface presented a unique engineering challenge. Unlike traditional channel letter installations mounted to flat structures, every component had to conform to the tower's continuous radius while maintaining a consistent two-inch stand-off distance for uniform illumination.
To ensure precision, City Neon constructed a full-scale curved mock-up in its fabrication facility. This allowed the team to test fitment, validate geometry, and refine fabrication tolerances before installation. Custom mounting systems and structural components were developed to achieve consistent alignment across the tower's complex surface.
Installation & Logistics
Installation took place approximately 170 to 185 feet above ground under demanding conditions. Working entirely from lift systems, crews installed and welded custom support structures directly to the tower while managing wind, platform movement, and limited access.
Each mounting location was carefully prepared, welded, refinished, and repainted to ensure long-term durability while preserving the integrity of the structure. Extensive planning and coordination allowed the installation to be completed safely and accurately despite the challenges presented by the tower's height and geometry.
Technology & Illumination
The tower features a high-output RGB LED lighting system engineered for long-range visibility. Integrated controls allow the Flying WV logos to display custom colors and lighting effects for athletic victories, campus celebrations, and special events.
Designed specifically for performance at extreme elevation, the system delivers vibrant illumination while maintaining consistent operation and control across the entire structure.
Impact & Legacy
The transformed water tower has become a new focal point for the University and the surrounding community. Visible for miles, the illuminated Flying WV creates a powerful symbol of Mountaineer pride while providing a dynamic platform for celebrating campus achievements.
Believed to be the only illuminated water tower of its kind in the United States, the project represents a rare combination of branding, engineering, and fabrication expertise. What was once a familiar campus utility structure now serves as a landmark that reflects the energy, innovation, and spirit of West Virginia University.
Through extensive research, custom fabrication, and precision installation, City Neon transformed the WVU Water Tower into a modern campus beacon, honoring its legacy while creating a lasting symbol for future generations of Mountaineers.
