Clock Tower Site Improvements

December 16, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINN. - The City of Rochester, in collaboration with the Bring Back the Clock Board, is preparing the corner of South Broadway and 6th Street SE for future construction. This work supports the long-term vision for the historic clock tower project and aligns with upcoming City improvements to enhance the future home of the clock.

The site was originally selected for installation of the historic clock tower, and initial construction had begun. During planning for future infrastructure projects on South Broadway, teammates determined that future traffic on Broadway will require a right-hand turn lane heading south, which affects the current location. This discovery allowed the City and the Bring Back the Clock Board to explore ways to strengthen the project and ensure the clock tower will have a lasting home.

As part of this transition, temporary site work is taking place to improve the appearance and safety of the area near Fire Station One. Crews are removing fencing, concrete block pillars, and steel reinforcement rods, and will place gravel to stabilize the site through the winter months. The remaining clock tower foundation is also scheduled to be removed. The City's Facilities team plans to complete this work before the end of the year, with timing dependent on crew availability as they complete other projects.

The Bring Back the Clock project is a community-led effort to rebuild the historic clock tower that once stood at the Mayo Civic Center site. While the clock was relocated there later in its history, its original home was at Central Station, where it was placed in an 85-foot-tall tower after being purchased by citizens and donated to the City. Restoring the clock tower honors this community-led legacy and preserves an important piece of Rochester's history, symbolizing community pride and a shared sense of place.

In October 2025, the City Council reviewed an updated memorandum of understanding with the Bring Back the Clock Board to support the relocation and continued development of the historic clock tower. Since that time, City teammates and the Board have identified a new permanent home for the structure at the northeast corner of Broadway and 6th Street SE. This location is supported by the City Council and will serve as the future site of the clock tower as the City coordinates bridge and riverfront improvements planned for 2026 and 2027.