The new renderings of the Unity Park observation tower show the structure is slightly shorter than originally planned – it’s 80 feet tall as opposed to the original 120 feet tall.

But according to Southernside resident Mary Duckett, no matter the height, the tower will be “a beacon” to a community that’s been in the shadows. “People will be talking about it for generations,” Duckett said.

Tower’s height change was purposeful to reduce cost (originally estimated at $10m) and improve scale

Tower will be completely funded by private donations

Once opened, the tower will be free to visitors and accessible by stairs and elevator