Red Bluff

4 Red Bluff 2020 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. From 1886 until 1984, the Victorian clock tower stood atop the huge Cone & Kimball building, a structure that housed Zuckweiler's department store for many years. Visible for miles in any direction, 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 corner 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 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. 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 additional 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 dedication 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 many people donated not only money and materials but also time. One estimate put the dollar figure at around $600,000. Much of the work took place off-site at Triple D's Metal & Steel Fabrication. Volunteer Steve Judson, of Steve Judson Engineering, designed the new 75-foot clock tower. The original 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. The tower and plaza is a Red Bluff Rotary Foundation, Downtown Red Bluff Business Association improvement project 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, contact any Red Bluff Rotary member. All donations are tax deductible. e latest in Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Dry Eyes, and now Glasses! Brian Haugen M.D. Stacy Cullum O.D. NORTHRIDGE EYE CARE 530 Main Street Red Bluff, CA 96080 530.529.1750 northridgeeyecare.com Looking Forward – Together BEST OF 2019 Tehama County Cone & Kimball Clock Tower stands tall

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