Preservation of aging landmarks - New Bern City Clock Tower

City workers have been able to complete cosmetic work on the City Hall Clock Tower, but the days are numbered for the inner workings of the clock itself.

City officials are saying renovation work on one of New Bern’s most recognizable landmarks, the clock tower at City Hall, has been completed.

Norm Vetter, city of New Bern building and grounds maintenance superintendent, said the recent work, which began in June, included repairs to the clock’s face as well as replacement of leaking windows and damaged shingles on the tower.

“The mechanics need work. They’re old and the gears have gotten stripped over the years,” said Vetter. “We can no longer buy the original parts just because of the age. It needs to be entirely replaced with a new system and computer.”

This Romanesque Revival City Hall building is the only one of its kind in this area. Its architectural and historical significance have merited its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The clock was not included in the original design for City Hall, which opened in 1897. The large four-face clock design was added later as a city-wide timepiece and was completed in 1911.