Updated: Flower Clock Project To Begin

Fairhope, Alabama

Construction of a flower clock on the hillside at the intersection of N. Section St. and Hwy 104 will begin shortly; it's design will be based on the city's downtown clock.

The 30' diameter clock is a joint project of the city and the Committee on Public Art (click).

A small parking area will also be constructed on Section St.

The project should be completed within 6 weeks.


COPA'S COMMENTS

Committee on Public Art Chairman Clay Swanzy issued a statement a few days after this article was posted:

FLOWER CLOCK CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

            The City of Fairhope has begun construction on a joint venture flower clock

to be installed on the southeast slope of city-owned property at County Road 104 and North Section Street next to Saint James Episcopal Church.

                Partnering with the Committee On Public Art (COPA), a division of the Eastern Shore Art Association, the city is providing the construction and plantings under the supervision of Public Works Director Jennifer Fidler, and COPA has purchased the clock mechanism and hands and has provided designs by three landscape architects, all of Fairhope.

                The original design (pictured here) chosen by Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant  is by Paul Fontenot of Garden Design Solutions, Inc. (GDSI).  Other designs, which may be used in the future, were provided by Joe Comer of Espalier Landscape Architecture, and Coleman Mills of wmCMstudio.

                The hands and clock mechanism are from Elderhorst Bells of Palm, PA.  The hands are made of heavy aluminum.  The overall design will be 30 feet in diameter.

                The flower clock idea was first proposed by Mayor Kant who said it has been on his

wish list for many years.  The idea was one of several project suggestions considered by COPA from monies raised from its Jumpin’ Jubilee public art project and auction in 2011.

                Fidler said the city will also provide sidewalks and parking spaces to enhance the area.  The City Council approved COPA’s flower clock proposal at a March meeting with Council President Jack Burrell and Council members Diana Brewer, Rich Mueller, Mike Ford and Kevin Boone all voting in favor.

                “The flower clock is unique for the Mobile Bay area and will provide an inviting and visually- attractive gateway to our city.  We want it to be a source of pride for our citizens

and a point of interest to our visitors.  It also is another means by which art is brought

to all citizens, especially those who have not yet joined our art center or taken advantage of our many sources of art offered in our area,” said Clay Swanzy, Chairman of COPA.  Larry Sims is chairman of COPA’s Flower Clock Subcommittee and COPA founder Jolane Edwards is co-chair.