FLOYDADA – It doesn’t matter if you’re driving in from Silverton, Matador, Ralls or Lockney, one of the first things you spot on the horizon as you head in to Floydada from any direction is the Producers Co-Op Elevator.
The Multi-story structure is getting some cosmetic upgrades as it nears its eighth decade of service.
Below you will find a slideshow of images with a conversation the Record had with PCE General Manager Seth Stephens about the project, and what it means to the community.
You may have noticed recent work on the Producers Co-Op Elevator in Floydada.
The elevator, first erected nearly 80 years ago, has been a landmark for the community for decades.
Expanded in the 1950s, the full elevator and its white façade greets everyone who comes in to Floydada.
"Structurally, it is in great shape," Stephens told the Record as he showed the inside of one of the towers.
Now, it's getting a facelift, and as PCE General Manager Seth Stephens explains, crews worked on chipping away loose concrete and sandblasting the outer surface of the elevator before filling the concrete in.
"This is a big landmark, and has been here forever. I want to make her look good," said Stephens.
The current plan, said Stephens, is to start painting toward end of March/Early April. "We're waiting for some more consistent warm weather."
The plan is to paint the elevator white with green accent, somewhat back to the original colors says Stephens. "We might use a little darker green," he joked, adding that it would hide the West Texas dust a little better.
In addition to refurbishing the outside of the elevator, Stephens was excited to show how they had discovered the initial blueprints for the elevator annex.
"I hope that people take pride in it." Stephens said of the elevator. "I know that we take pride in making sure that our stuff looks good and that we're continuing to build it and grow it and firm it up for the future."
When asked why PCE was undertaking the project now, Stephens said it was coming at a time of growth for the Co-Op. "This is a project you don't do every year, you don't do every decade. We're excited to make it look and represent more of what we are today."
"Being able to complete this project... I think our membership and the people that are supporting this place should be proud of it."