Red Bluff
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4 RED BLUFF 2011 Cone & Kimball Clock Tower stands tall Like Red Bluff’s own Phoenix rising out of the ashes, the Cone & Kimball clock tower once again stands tall at the corner of Main and Walnut streets. Victorian clock tower stood atop the huge Cone & Kimball building, a structure that housed Zuckweiler’s depart- ment store for many years. Visible for miles in any direc- tion, it was the centerpiece of Red Bluff, the most impressive of many historic structures. On April 30, 1984, it was destroyed by fire. The scar it left remained for years while various groups considered what might be done. In February 1997, the Rotary Foundation purchased the cor- ner lot and began work on a plan to revitalize downtown. In December 2002, Rotary got the clock tower project under way and in the ensuing years raised money and sought and got grants. Work on construction of a replica clock tower got under From 1886 until 1984, the way off site west of the city. It was constructed in five pieces, with four “lifts” scheduled over a period of months. The lowest and largest section was built at the location. many people donated not only money and materials but also time. One estimate put the dollar figure at around $600,000. The Cone & Kimball Clock Tower, dedicated in April 2008, is decorated for the Christmas season. Freestanding white, steel columns installed in 2006 may have raised as many questions as nicknames for the monolith. That changed one morning early in 2007 when a crane lowered the second level onto the columns. Work progressed throughout 2007 with an addi- tional level being installed in the summer. The clocks and lights would go up in fall and the face work and roof tiles in the winter. Scaffolding around the project came down in February 2008 and exposed an almost completed tower. The final piece, a weather vane, was placed top the tower during April 2008 dedica- tion ceremony. Only some landscaping and brick work remain to be completed as funding allows. Actual cost of the project may never be known, since so off-site at Triple D’s Metal & Steel Fabrication. Volunteer Steve Judson, of Steve Judson Engineering, designed the new 75-foot clock tower. The origi- nal tower was 100 feet, but the replica is still visible to drivers on Interstate 5. The Cone & Kimball Plaza is a relaxing place to take a break in shopping and behold the beauty of the clock tower up close. Red Bluff Rotary Foundation, Downtown Red Bluff Business Association improvement pro- ject that is supported by the city of Red Bluff. For more information about the Cone & Kimball Plaza or if you would like to donate to help with the project, call Venita Philbrick at 529-1134. All donations are tax deductible. The tower and plaza is a Much of the work took place Trust What You Love To Quality Service • Auto • Truck • Farm • ATV Retread Plant On-Site The Best Tire Warranty In The West • FREE Tire Inspection • FREE Air Check • FREE Tire Rotation • FREE Mounting • FREE Rebalancing • FREE Flat Repair • Road Hazard* (Some restrictions apply) 1375 Montgomery Rd. Red Bluff I-5 Tire Inc. National Brands Always The Right Tire ★ Always The Right Price 530 529-0797 OPEN SATURDAYS plus many more M-F 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat. 8:00 AM-12:00 PM