Entry No. 29 — the Cincinnati file — filed under: roadside oddity
Florence Y'all Water Tower
Constructed in 1974, this 1-million-gallon water storage tank originally advertised the upcoming Florence Mall until federal highway billboard regulations forced the mayor to hurriedly modify the 'M' into a 'Y'' for just $500.
The story
In 1974, the city of Florence erected a one-million-gallon water storage tank along Interstate 71/75. To cover the cost of painting the massive steel structure, Mayor C.M. "Hop" Ewing struck a deal with developers breaking ground on the upcoming Florence Mall: the city would allow them to paint "FLORENCE MALL" across the dome in giant letters in exchange for footing the paint bill. There was only one snag. The mall hadn't actually been built yet, and state highway officials quickly intervened, citing federal regulations under the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 that prohibited advertising non-existent businesses within 660 feet of an interstate.
Facing daily federal fines and a quote of over $1,200 to repaint the entire tank, Ewing and city staff gathered over lunch at the local Stringtown Restaurant to brainstorm a way out. Ewing sketched a quick hack on a napkin: chop off the vertical side legs of the letter "M" to turn it into a "Y," add an apostrophe, and leave the remaining letters untouched. The modification cost under $500, satisfying highway inspectors while keeping municipal coffers intact.
What was intended as a temporary fix until the shopping center opened in September 1976 became permanent after the land beneath the tank reverted to city ownership and the slogan caught on. Today, the peppermint-striped tank remains an active municipal water supply and Northern Kentucky's most famous landmark born out of mid-century legal loop-holing.
What it's like
You'll spot the giant peppermint-striped tank rising over the highway near Exit 181, but don't expect a designated park, visitor center, or plaza at the base. The tower sits in the middle of a commercial retail zone along Mall Circle Road, surrounded by asphalt and chain stores. For the best angle without trying to take a picture at 65 mph on I-75, pull into the outer Florence Mall parking lot or drive down Mall Circle Road. It's a quick pull-over photo op rather than a lingering attraction—you snap your photo of the famous grammar edit, appreciate the bureaucratic dodge, and move on.
The move: Drive down Mall Circle Road to capture photos of Northern Kentucky's signature grammar hack, then grab a frozen custard across the highway.
- 📍 Florence, KY
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 500 Mall Circle Rd, Florence, KY 41042
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Collection 21 ("The Car Barn") — Pair your pit stop at Northern Kentucky's giant highway typo with a drive 3.5 miles north to browse an anonymous collector's warehouse holding over 250 vintage American automobiles.
- Vent Haven Museum — Follow up a view of Florence's famous water tank with a visit six miles north to inspect more than 1,000 silent ventriloquist dummies.
- HAIL - Records & Oddities — Extend your Northern Kentucky oddity trip nine miles down the interstate to dig through vinyl records, taxidermy, and occult oddities in Covington.
Good to know
Where is the Florence Y'all Water Tower located?
It stands at 500 Mall Circle Road in Florence, Kentucky, situated between Interstate 71/75 and the Florence Mall.
Why does the water tower say 'Florence Y'all' instead of 'Florence Mall'?
In 1974, the tower was painted to advertise the unbuilt Florence Mall, which violated federal highway rules against advertising non-existent entities. To avoid fines without paying $1,200 to repaint the whole tank, Mayor C.M. 'Hop' Ewing paid under $500 to alter the 'M' into a 'Y''.
Can you go inside or climb the water tower?
No. It is an active municipal water storage facility holding 1 million gallons, so public access inside or onto the tower structure is strictly prohibited.
Is there an admission fee or set operating hours?
There is no fee or gate to view the tower; it is visible 24/7 from public roads and parking lots, though you should confirm business hours before visiting surrounding stores.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Atlas Obscura · Wikipedia · lawreviewblog.uc.edu
last checked: 2026-07-21