MILAN – One of Ripley County’s most recognizable landmarks has received a makeover.

The 1920s-era watertower in Milan, which reads “State Champs 1954” in recognition of Milan High School’s storied state basketball championship, has been repainted. The tower will also be illuminated at night for the first time. Funding for the nearly $30,000 project came from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. Additional support was provided by a local liquor store in Milan, which collected more than $1,000 for the work.

The tower was last painted in 1969 and was acquired by the town in 2011. Restoration efforts were launched last year by the town and the Milan ’54 Hoosiers Museum. The tower previously served as a fire protection measure for the long-defunct Milan Furniture Co. Town Board President Noel Houze says “we are very proud to be able to restore this iconic water tower for the community of Milan and the people of Indiana. This is something that we have wanted to do for a long time.”

The tower, built in 1924, is located just outside of downtown Milan.