East Dundee’s been spiffing up The Depot and now may add a charming post clock to the downtown property.
Village President Jeff Lynam said he came up with the idea after seeing a clock in another community and broached the topic with Village Administrator Erika Storlie.
“We thought it would really set off the downtown a bit and jazz it up a bit,” Lynam said.
Village Board trustees will discuss purchasing the clock, what color it should be and where to place it at their Monday meeting.
The purchase and installation will cost $14,675, which will come from the Downtown and Dundee Crossings Business Development District fund.
Board members seem receptive to the idea of beautifying downtown, Lynam said. It’s especially important with the new parking deck that will be constructed soon and the redeveopment of former Doederlein Lumber Co. property under discussion, he said.
It’s a preliminary proposal, but he’s hopeful the board will approve it, he said.
The clock Lynam would like to buy stands nearly 12 feet tall and has a 30-inch diameter aluminum head with a 10-inch face on two sides, according to village documents. Staff recommends the clock be red with gold hand-painted accents.
Lynam said the style selected has an “old-time feel.” It complements the architecture of the downtown buildings, which date back to the 1840s and 1850s, he said.
“We’re looking for a style very reminiscent of the turn of the last century,” he said. “I think it’ll really fit in well and be a neat addition to the environment downtown.”
Last year East Dundee took over running The Depot at 319 N. River St., which is where the village hosts numerous festivals and concerts. It was previously managed by the now-disbanded Dundee Township Visitor’s Center board, which originally renovated the building and turned it into a downtown destination more than 20 years ago.
The village recently completed renovating The Depot’s public restrooms, which now meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and have new baby changing stations. A companion care/family restroom has been added for families with young children or people who need help from a caregiver.
ADA-compliant picnic tables have been added to the outdoor space as well.
In addition to serving as a destination point for people visiting downtown or using the nearby Fox River Trail, the building also serves as the location for the East Dundee Depot Market, held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday between May and October.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
