Auroraadvocate.com - Clocktower proposed at city's 'point'

by Ken Lahmers

Editor

Aurora -- The city's triangular point where Routes 43 and 306 split could be the site of a future clocktower if Mayor Lynn McGill's vision is realized.

At the Feb. 15 meeting of the landmark commission, McGill, Parks-Rec Director Jim Kraus and Grounds Coordinator Dennis Altmann outlined plans for the tower, plus expansion and improvements at the main cemetery.

McGill said some old city maps refer to the point as "public square" and it consists of 5,800 square feet. He described the area as being "kind of unsightly," with some dead trees growing nearby.

McGill said a circular patio with benches is planned at ground level, with four clock faces at the top of a 40-foot tall, two-toned brick and limestone tower.

According to McGill, the clock probably would be provided by the Verdin Co. of Cincinnati, which has made clocks, bells and carillons since 1842. The patio was designed by Cawrse & Associates landscape architects.

Three sides of the tower would consist of a light-colored inlayed limestone around medium-colored brick, while the back side would be all brick. The structure would be Western Reserve-style architecture, and the clock would have a copper roof.

McGill said there would be no chimes or bells in the clock, so that music would not detract from the Church in Aurora's chimes and bell.

McGill estimated the cost of the tower and clock at $180,000, which he said he hopes will come mostly from private sources (individuals and companies).

THE CITY has set aside $15,000 in its 2007 budget for construction of the patio area and benches, which would be done by city crews as was the case with the patio at Town Hall.

The brick base encircling the patio and tower would be lettered "City of Aurora" and would face the intersection of Routes 43 and 306.

Councilman-landmark chairman Tom Dreher and member Melanie Miguel Courtad said they favor the proposal, while member Dick Fetzer said he opposed it.

Since members Jeff Clark and Sue Sutton were absent from the meeting, Dreher suggested the panel hold off on a formal vote until their input is obtained.

"A clocktower is out of the question in my opinion," said Fetzer. "I didn't like the gazebo when it was built near the library. I just don't think either fits in with the historical nature of Town Center."

However, he added he is not opposed to a small parklike setting at the point.

Dreher said he believes the tower would be "a direct benefit" to citizens. Courtad added she believes updates such as this can be done to the center of town without detracting from its historic nature.

The panel's architectural adviser, Ron Lowe, suggested sending a letter to the Ohio Preservation Office "to get an outside opinion on the appropriateness of such a structure." The three panelists present concurred.

If the city proceeds with the plans, they would have to be reviewed by the planning commission, architectural board of review, finance committee and City Council.

E-mail: klahmers@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3155