Save the Fox Tower: Restore Omro’s Historic Landmark

Seth King is organizing this fundraiser.

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Save the Fox Tower: Restore Omro’s Historic Landmark

Our Story

The Omro Fox Tower — also historically known as the Cole Watch Tower — isn’t just a seven-story structure on Highway 21.

It’s a living piece of Wisconsin’s history and our family’s legacy.

Built in 1935 to oversee a silver fox farm, the tower stands today as a rare survivor of Wisconsin’s once-booming fur farming industry. In 1978, it earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places—a testament to its unique role in our state’s agricultural heritage.

Attached to an 1871 Italianate farmhouse built by our ancestors, the tower’s tan brick walls and steel frame symbolize resilience, ingenuity, and the spirit of Omro.

Today, my father, Randy King, has reclaimed this historic property to bring it back into our family’s hands — and now, we need your help to save it.

Why We Need Your Help

Storm damage and time have taken a heavy toll.
Crumbling brickwork
Water infiltration
Roof damage from fallen trees

Without immediate action, parts of the tower brick facing could collapse — and Wisconsin could lose one of its last fox-farming towers forever.

We must seal the exterior by November 2025 to prevent irreversible damage during the coming winter.

We’re raising $200,000 to complete critical repairs and safeguard this irreplaceable landmark.

The Restoration Plan

Your donations will fund urgent exterior work, including:

> Brick and Concrete Repairs ($160,000)

Repoint the entire brick exterior of the tower and farmhouse.
Rebuild the southeast corner of the tower where crumbling threatens collapse.
Address minor interior concrete issues (rusting rebar, flaking surfaces).

> Roof Replacement ($40,000)

Repair storm-damaged decking.
Replace the original standing seam steel roof with new standing seam steel roof to prevent further water infiltration.

Stretch Goals for Full Restoration

If we exceed our goal, additional funds will help:

Windows and Woodwork Restoration ($50,000): Repair decorative trim and windows.

Interior Repairs ($100,000): Install handrails and safety improvements to open the tower for future tours and potentially even for overnight stays.

❤️ Why It Matters

This property shaped Omro’s history—from its roots as a dairy farm (1870s) to a silver fox farm (1924–1940s) and even a local ice cream shop in the 1950s.

Saving the Fox Tower means preserving:

A rare piece of Wisconsin’s agricultural past
A future tourism destination that supports local shops and restaurants
A living family story that stretches back over a century

Once restored, we plan to open the tower for tours, private events, and overnight stays—bringing visitors and new life into our beloved hometown.

Our Commitment

Every dollar raised goes directly toward restoration.

We’re working with skilled contractors following historic preservation standards, and we’ll share updates with photos and progress reports.

This project is personal:

My grandfather was born here.
My father grew up walking to the King School next door and even stopping here for ice cream on occasion as a boy.
I worked here as a young man restoring the farmhouse floors.

Today, I live next door and see the tower every day — a daily reminder that history is ours to protect.

How You Can Help

Every gift makes a difference:

$25: Digital “Thank You” + name listed on our supporters page
$50: “Save the Fox Tower” sticker mailed to you (address must be provided)
$100: Shout-out on social media & “Save the Fox Tower” sticker mailed to you (address must be provided)
$500: Name engraved on a permanent donor plaque at the property
$1,000: Shout-out on social media + Private tour with Randy King (after safety repairs)
$5,000+: Exclusive sunset evening in the observation room (after interior restoration)

OR, contact us to volunteer your skilled labor by visiting our website SaveTheFoxTower.com

Help Us Meet Our October 2025 Deadline

The clock is ticking. Winter storms could cause permanent damage if repairs aren’t completed soon.

Please donate today, share this campaign, and help us save the Omro Fox Tower for future generations!

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Gallery / Photos