The Worth Avenue Clock Tower

One of the most iconic landmarks in Palm Beach, Florida is the famous clock tower that caps the ritziest shopping district known as Worth Avenue. Standing at 25 feet tall, the Worth Avenue Clock Tower was built in 2010. It was part of a $15.8 million renovation of Worth Avenue aimed at restoring the area's grandeur which included new landscaping and improvements to the shopping district.  The tower is made from coquina stone and cost $600,000.  It was designed in the Moorish Revival style reminiscent of the Mediterranean architecture brought to the area by architect Addison Mizner in the 1910s.  

The tower commemorates the former site of the Palm Beach Pier which was initially named Rainbo Pier.  It was built in 1925 by Danish immigrant, Peter Gustav Jordahn also known as "Captain Gus".  However, during the Great Depression, Captain Gus would sell the pier and it would be renamed.  The pier would become a favorite attraction featuring a coffee shop and cocktail lounge.  After getting battered by hurricanes in the 1940s and 1960s, the Palm Beach Pier was eventually demolished for safety concerns in 1969.  

The tower features 4 clock faces .. one on each side.  Locals gather at the tower every New Year's Day at sunrise for a community photo continuing the spirit of celebration associated with the former pier.