Vote on your favorite clocktower design for new Tacoma Amtrak Station

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) wants your input on design concepts for a clocktower at the new Amtrak Station at Freighthouse Square in Tacoma. The clocktower will be one element of the new station, which will serve Amtrak passengers beginning in 2017.

WSDOT has been developing the station design with input from a subgroup of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee, who believe the clocktower could serve as an iconic addition to the Tacoma landscape, according to WSDOT officials. It will stand 80 to 90 feet tall and be located on 25th Street, in front of the Freighthouse Square building and across the street from the commuter parking garage.

The three clocktower designs include the following:

The Traveler — This concept draws inspiration from the form of a person walking down the street, according to WSDOT officials, and the reference to movement and travel provides the suggestion of animation to the structure. This concept would have two support footings at ground level and a clock face on two sides.

Trestle Clock — This concept reflects a historic railroad trestle common throughout the country, according to WSDOT officials, while modern design elements have been added to the tower to give it a timeless feel. This clocktower concept has three support footings at ground level and three clock faces.

Ghost Clock — This design combines art and function by creating a tower-like structure that evokes the traditional form of ‘clock tower’ using materials of varying transparency to create a “there but not there” feeling, according to WSDOT officials. The support footing for this concept would be square or rectangular at ground level. It also would have two clock faces.

You can view more images of the design concepts and vote on your favorite design online here. WSDOT will accept online votes until Mon., June 8.

To read the Tacoma Daily Index’s complete and comprehensive coverage of the Point Defiance Bypass Project and the Freighthouse Square Amtrak station, click on the following links: