Milan Welcomes New Basketball Themed Water Tower

A dedication ceremony was held on Thursday evening.

Photo provided.

(Milan, Ind.) - A dedication ceremony was held on Thursday for the Town of Milan's new one-of-a-kind basketball-themed water storage tank. 

The large drinking water improvements project, which also included updates to water mains, hydrants, valves, and water service lines, was financed by $4.5 million in low-interest loan and grant funds from the Indiana State Revolving Fund, and $700,000 in grant funds through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). 

The water storage tank is emblazoned with the slogan "Basketball Town USA." The 150,000-gallon spherical water storage tank is located along State Road 101 on the north side of Milan, and replaces an older standpipe tank, which was built in 1964. 

The new tank is expected to serve the Town's nearly 750 customers for many decades to come. 

The tank’s design was entrusted to consultant Curry & Associates/Fleis & VandenBrink of Danville, Indiana, which provided engineering services.

“When project engineer Bob Curry learned of Milan’s need for a new water storage tank, he started dreaming about the possibilities of a design that could meet the water needs and provide a landmark to commemorate Milan’s treasured history,” said Lori Young, Fleis & VandenBrink’s (F&V) Indiana Group Manager for Water and Wastewater.

The new water tank celebrates the town's basketball heritage and iconic status as Basketball Town USA. The southeast Indiana community inspired the 1986 film Hoosiers with its legendary 1954 state championship win. With a total enrollment of only 161 students at the time, Milan has the distinction of being the smallest school ever to win a single-class state basketball title in Indiana, beating the team from the much larger Muncie Central High School in a classic competition known as the Milan Miracle.

 “We are excited to have been part of the Town of Milan’s team for this overall water utility improvement project and thrilled with the outcome of the basketball-themed tank,” Young added. “Milan’s basketball story is a treasure to our entire state, and it is an honor to be on the team to provide a needed water storage tank that will serve as a landmark and celebrates the great history of basketball in Milan.” 

The Town of Milan proudly embraces the identity of Basketball Town USA as a tribute to its remarkable history and ongoing legacy,” said Milan Town Council President Deb Shumate. “This brand honors the iconic 1954 state basketball champions whose incredible underdog victory inspired the classic film, Hoosiers. The Milan ‘54 Hoosiers Museum stands as a permanent celebration of that unforgettable moment in sports history and the enduring spirit of small-town determination. That legacy continues with one-of-a-kind features like the new basketball-themed water tower and custom basketball street lights—distinctive landmarks that not only reflect our pride but also welcome visitors into the heartbeat of Hoosier Hysteria. Every element of Basketball Town USA is designed to preserve our story, promote our community, and inspire future generations.”

The Milan Town Council, responsible for the infrastructure improvements, is comprised of Deb Shumate, president; Andrew Olman, vice president; and Mark Marsee, at-large. Clerk-Treasurer Melissa Teer oversaw construction phase grant and loan coordination throughout the project, while Doug Price leads an outstanding staff of individuals dedicated to the Town’s utilities.