Iolan Max Grundy is the proud owner of a 1934 model, 120-foot water tower, courtesy of the City of Iola.
Grundy closed the deal Tuesday to purchase the abandoned tower, with the intention of turning it into a one-of-a-kind high-rise Airbnb, complete with observation deck.
Grundy envisions converting the tank portion of the tower into a split-level living space, including an open-top floor plan and loft space, with windows around the perimeter to offer stunning views of the countryside in every direction.
The lowest portions of the tank would hold utilities, such as a water heater and HVAC systems. Occupants would access the living quarter and observatory via a spiral staircase.
But first, Grundy needs to get a good look at the 88-year-old tower’s structural integrity to determine how much reinforcement is necessary to support his lofty dreams.
While he’s been on the property once or twice, he has yet to scale the tower, out of respect for the city.
Grundy’s $1,000 bid to purchase the tower was the only one received by the city in September. City Council members voted unanimously to accept his offer. Terms of the contract were finalized over the ensuing two months.
Grundy plans to move slowly but methodically, telling the Register the tower will have electric service in short order.
The terms of the city’s contract gives Grundy five years to complete the project, although he’s hopeful it will occur faster.
“I’d been planning on doing it in three years, but five years gives us some flexibility,” he said.
Grundy, wife Candice and their daughter and son moved to Iola from California in mid-2021. Both Max and Candice are artists. Max continues to work for such companies as Disney and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association).
He also recently completed a mural of the Fearless Fred Trolley that adorns the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce office on the north side of the courthouse square.
