The new water tower on Kent’s West Hill keeps getting higher and higher.

The city Public Works Department recently released the latest construction photos Nov. 30 as crews are putting up the walls and aim to finish the 16-story tower by spring 2022, in preparation to be put into use next fall. Once complete, a painted mural will be added to the water tank.

The $8.4 million reservoir will address a water storage deficiency on the West Hill to ensure residents and businesses have adequate water supply during peak usage times, according to the city’s website. It also will provide the necessary fire flow storage for the West Hill water service area so there is sufficient water available to fight fires.

Crews expect to complete the project by next fall. The steel will be erected throughout the winter of 2021-2022 and will be topped off in the spring of 2022. The 165-foot tower will be cleaned, coated, filled and tested before putting into service.

The reservoir is going up at a former small city park at 24731 38th Ave. S., near Military Road South. The city

closed the pedestrian path on the south side of tank site (formally Kronisch Park) during construction. This path will be reopened when construction is complete.

Construction began in March on the project by Anacortes-based T Bailey Inc. The project will be paid for from the city’s water utility fund, covered by ratepayer fees.

The Kent City Council unanimously approved in November 2019 the transfer of a 0.65 acre-city park to the Public Works Department from the Parks Department to build the water storage tank. The council in September 2019 delayed a vote on the removal of the undeveloped Kronisch Park after several people testified they wanted city officials to find a different spot for the tower in order to preserve the park and keep such a tall tower away from their business or home.