“A Gift of Time” Clock Project

The “Gift of Time … A Timeless Gift” Clock Tower is located in Main Street Plaza, downtown La Crosse.

The clock was installed in 2004, and is surrounded by a plaza of bricks inscribed with the names of its many donors that made the project possible.

Facts about the clock:

• Made of cast aluminum
• Has four faces
• Illuminates at night
• Chimes on the hour
• Is located at the base of Main Street (Main Street Plaza). The east end of the walkway between the Radisson and the Cleary Building.

Here are excerpts from a news story on the “Gift of Time” project from April 30th, 2004, courtesy of the the La Crosse Tribune, with help from Main Library’s  Archives Department. Paranthetical comments are for clarity.

“We were trying to find something to connect the riverfront with the historic district,” said Bud Miyamoto, the Director of Downtown Mainstreet (at the time).

The estimated costs of the clock, which will be surrounded by a plaza with an inlay of bricks, is $35,000.

To raise funds for the project, inscribed bricks will be sold, and the giving levels range from $100 to $5,000.

Brick inscriptions can include your name or that of a loved one, family, business, organization or it can pay tribute to or in memory of someone.

Funds also will cover ongoing maintenance of the clock, Weber said (Bill Weber was the Chairman of La Crosse City Vision Foundation at the time of the article).