Mayor Nickels preparing to restart the clocks
This past Tuesday Mayor Greg Nickels led the official restarting of King Street Station’s clocks, marking in part, the completion of the first phase of the restoration program. Members of the press gathered on the 11th floor of the station’s 245 foot clock tower to capture the first movements of the newly restored clocks. Prior to restarting the clocks, the Mayor highlighted the importance of the station to Seattle’s history and spoke about the goals of the restoration program. Two volunteers who have served as repairmen for the clocks were recognized for their hard work over the course of the project. Just before 1pm, after a Q & A period with the press and a countdown, the Mayor raised the lever that started the clocks again.
For the first time in over a decade, Seattleites can again set their watches by the station’s clocks. Each of the clocks is 14 feet in diameter and will feature improved illumination as a result of their restoration. In addition to repairing the clocks, phase one of the restoration included restoring the station’s roof with new terra cotta tiles, replacing damaged glass tiles in the pyramid above the clocks, enhancing the lighting in the tower, and repairing and re-installing the finial atop the pyramid.
Mayor Nickels with clock repair volunteers Norm Nelson and Paul Bellamy
Other key features of the station that will be restored in the next phases of the project are the terrazzo flooring, the ornamental plaster ceiling, the grand staircase from Jackson Street plaza to the terminal, and the second and third floors of the station. Seattle residents can take pride in maintaining this 103 year-old treasured landmark. Bridging the Gap funding has been an integral part of the project. You can learn more about the exciting improvements planned for the station, by visiting the King Street Station website.