Groundbreaking Held for Brethen Tower

DAYTON, Ohio — A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for Brethen Tower at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio. The tower will be more than 100 feet tall and hold the historic Callahan clock, which dates to 1892.

Woolpert is providing the civil and structural engineering for the tower, Roll & Associates is providing the code review and architectural support services and Brackett Builders is the contractor. Woolpert Project Manager Frank Monastra said the tower will be located on the park’s west end, strategically distanced from the Deeds Carillon bell tower, and will be visible from Interstate 75.

“The observation platform will be about 70 feet above the ground and the clock will be illuminated at night, enabling it to be seen for miles,” Monastra said. “The clock unit weighs 15,000 pounds and is being refurbished by The Verdin Co.”

Dayton History reported that the tower will be interactive and interpretive, and include panels educating guests about the history of the clock, the surrounding landscape and transportation corridors.

Brethen Tower, which is scheduled to open this fall, will serve as a major anchor to Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus. It will join the existing Carillon Brewing Co., the Build for Tomorrow Theater and the Tree of Light as significant new attractions, and is part of Carillon Historical Park’s larger master plan that includes its upcoming Leadership Center. The 33,000-square-foot gathering space will connect the Carillon Brewing Company and Kettering Family Education Center.

Woolpert is providing the civil and structural engineering for the Leadership Center, as a sub-consultant to Roll & Associates, and Danis Construction is the contractor.