Council confirms Sixth Street clock has been secured; city and preservationists discuss restoration and display options

The city’s economic development director reported that the historic Sixth Street clock — a long-standing downtown landmark — has been removed from the former restaurant site and placed in secure storage. The director sought guidance from the council on potential permanent locations and restoration.

Members of the public criticized prior downtown preservation decisions but welcomed that the clock is now safeguarded. One speaker from the historic-preservation community recommended that a future downtown developer be required, as part of redevelopment conditions, to restore and prominently display the clock and to fund the restoration rather than leaving the cost to the city.

Mayor Steiner and other councilmembers said the clock is a downtown landmark and should be restored and prominently displayed at or near Sixth and Main when redevelopment occurs. Staff reported preliminary restoration estimates in the range cited in staff materials (roughly $15,000–$25,000 based on bids referenced in discussion) and said staff will return with firm restoration and installation costs and options for siting the clock (exterior corner, façade element, or interior display). One councilmember proposed including restoration and installation in a future downtown development agreement so private developers bear the restoration cost.

No formal resolution was adopted; council provided direction to staff to continue to safeguard the clock, pursue restoration cost estimates and explore permanent display locations within upcoming downtown projects.