JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It has stood the test of time since 1901. And it's been on the corner of Adams and Laura Streets downtown since 1930. But almost two years ago, the historic clock came down for repairs.
"Oh, it was kind of sad really," said Roy Thomas, Owner of Jacobs Jewelers.
Thomas never imagined as he watched their old clock come down from its post in front of his shop that it would be two years before he'd see it again.
"The city wanted it so we gifted it to the city with the understanding it would always be in that location and it would always have our name on it and they would maintain it. And they're doing that. It's just taking a long time!"
Since becoming a distinctive landmark of downtown Jacksonville, the old ticker has gone through the ringer. It's been moved, taken down multiple times for repairs, once even hit by a bus.
"Knocked it over and tore it into like 200 pieces," said Thomas.
But it's never taken this long to get it back up standing tall. According to the city, they've been working since April 2011 to find the funding and the right company to fix it. And finally, there is welcome news. The clock has been restored. And Action News got an exclusive sneak peak inside the warehouse where it's now crated up awaiting it's big return.
City officials tell Action News Friday, they will award the re-installment project to one of two bidders. It is the final step in a long two years of waiting.
"It's going to be like new and everyone's going to be really proud of it," Thomas said. "We're anxious to get it back up."
The city hopes to have it back up and ticking by early summer, if not sooner.
Thomas says it is one of only ten of its kind left in the world.
