The construction of Dixie State University’s new landmark, the clock tower, is starting to pick up.
The construction site of the clock tower is located between the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons and the Udvar-Hazy School of Business. Sherry Ruesch, executive director of campus services, said the clock tower is estimated to be completed by the second week of April, just in time for D-week.
The clock tower was designed as a part of the Holland Building, but financial factors played a part in its delay, Ruesch said. This is a $1.2 million project, which was provided by campus funds and several donors.
“The clock tower will be an iconic structure that says ‘university’ to those visiting our campus,” Ruesch said.
Ruesch said the tower will be a place to relax and do homework under the shade. She said the tower will be lined with energy efficient LED lights that vary in color according to campus activities, holidays and special events. The clock tower will play carillon bells every hour and has speakers that can play music, which the lights will correspond to. Dixie is also adding stadium seating that will surround the clock and will be lined with trees for shade.
“The clock tower is not for the administration or faculty,” Ruesch said. “It’s for the students.”
Jacobsen Construction is the company that is building the clock tower.
“We are excited to be a part of such a great project for the university,” said Josh Hall, project manager for Jacobsen Construction. “The project is off to a quick start. We are currently scheduled to complete the project in April.”
Students agreed that the clock tower has potential to be a place where students can hold campus events and activities. It is somewhat of a symbol of school spirit.
“I am excited for the clock tower project to be completed because I think it will be a great place to meet with friends, and it will also be a beautiful addition to our campus,” said Tarah Kershaw, a freshman integrated studies major from Payson.
