Tomorrow, April 20, the clock atop the Historic Tarrant County Courthouse will be stopped so that work can proceed on a $5 million restoration project.
The usually reliable timepiece will be inactive for a year. During that time, the cast iron balustrade will be replaced, joints between the granite blocks will be sealed to prevent rain water from entering the clock tower interior, the copper cladding on the roof dome will be replaced and the internal structural steel support bracing, clock works and clock face framing will be repaired. Also, water-damaged wood flooring an all four levels of the tower will be replaced.
Later this month, scaffolding around the base of the tower will be erected. In May, a crane will be brought in while some interior preparations are made. In June scaffolding will be built to the top of the tower and exterior work will begin on the project, which is estimated to be completed by the summer of 2012.
During today's project briefing at the Commissioners Court meeting, Precinct Three Commissioner Gary Fickes noted that, for the next year, the clock will only be accurate twice a day.
