Iconic Tower at Unity Village to Undergo $3M Renovation

Gift from private donor will fund refurbishing that will allow
expanded use, elevator access to the top

The iconic and historic tower at Unity Village will undergo extensive renovation beginning this November, thanks to a $3 million pledge from a private donor. The Jackson County, Missouri landmark, built in 1929, was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. In 2005 mounting structural problems resulted in the closing of the Tower to the public.

"Over the years, many needed repairs were deferred. At present, the elevator and staircase do not meet modern standards," said Charlotte Shelton, president and CEO of Unity. "Following last year's renovation of the Unity Village central courtyard fountains, we began focusing our intention on restoring the Tower. We were thrilled when a donor stepped forward with this magnificent gift." Shelton added that the donor has asked not to be publicly identified.

In May, the Unity Board of Directors gave approval to begin planning the structural renovations. Last month the Board approved plans for an additional construction phase to build out the interior floors.

"Unity Village master planner Rickert Fillmore, the son of Unity co-founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, saw the tower as a symbol of universal supply," said Shelton. "Our vision is that the Tower will one day become a symbol for wellness of mind, body and spirit and the home of a world-class holistic healing center." She added that more information on this phase of the project will be forthcoming.

Visitors to the tower will also be able to access the top-level platform via the new elevator to be installed.

The design-build team is being led by Susan Richards Johnson & Associates, Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, an architectural firm specializing in historic restoration and renovation. A.L. Huber of Overland Park, Kansas will serve as general contractor. The project is expected to be completed in early 2013.

The 165-foot tall tower holds a 100,000-gallon water tank that provides fresh water to the municipality of Unity Village. Over the decades, the structure has also served as a welcome center, post office, credit union and radio/television studio, among other functions.

Unity Village will conduct a brief blessing ceremony for the tower project at 4 p.m. Thursday, September 8, in the central courtyard. The public is welcome to attend.

About Unity

Unity was founded in 1889 and helps people of all faiths apply positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. It can be found on the Internet at www.unity.org.

Unity publishes Daily Word, a bimonthly magazine of inspirational messages that is distributed to about 1 million people in 180 countries. Unity's prayer ministry, Silent Unity, now in its 121st year, provides free prayer support 24/7. Silent Unity receives about 2 million letters, telephone calls and Internet requests for prayer annually. Anyone in need of prayer support may call (800) NOW-PRAY (669-7729) at any time. Prayer support is also available on line atwww.silentunity.org.