Despite the borough's request for the watchtower to remain in place as a landmark, SEPTA took it down on October 20th. Just a couple of weeks ago, it was deactivated, replaced with a new switch system at the complicated Main and Broad Street crossings. Fortunately, SEPTA agreed to take it down intact, giving it to the borough to be placed in an undetermined location. In the meantime, SEPTA will put a plaque in the watchtower's place, commemorating 151 years of service.
You can find pictures of the dismantling of the watchtower at the following website: http://www.trainweb.org/phillynrhs/RPOTW071021.html