METRO TO PRESERVE ART DECO FACADE / REMOVAL SET FOR TOMORROW

September 24, 2009

METRO will preserve the historic clock tower of the old Sterling Laundry and Cleaning Company on Harrisburg. It will be moved to a temporary storage location tomorrow morning.

METRO, city and county officials, and East End community leaders worked together to preserve the facade at 4819 Harrisburg, which is located just feet from the light-rail line now under construction.

In cooperation with city officials, the preliminary plan calls for relocating the clock tower to Eastwood Park, creating a permanent monument or gateway to the park.  METRO has made a financial commitment to support these efforts, while the city will be responsible for executing the installation of the facade and for the future maintenance of the facade in its new, permanent home.

Crews are set to remove the clock tower portion at 8 a.m., weather permitting. With the help of the Greater East End Management District, the clock tower will then be transported to a storage facility at the Buffalo Bayou Partnership while future plans are finalized.

The clock tower’s placement at Eastwood Park also supports the community’s on-going efforts to beautify the park, and reinforces METRO’s commitment to respond to community needs during light-rail construction.