LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Restoration of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s iconic Mueller Tower is nearing completion after months of extensive renovation work.
Crews are about halfway done with reinstalling the limestone bricks on the outside of the 84-foot bell tower. Jennifer Pleake, a project manager with Facilities Planning and Capital Programs, said estimated completion for the project is April.
“It’s a significant piece on our campus and highly recognized,” Pleake said. “People have a strong draw to it.”
Work began last May on the tower that has stood at the heart of city campus since 1949. Along with replacing the exterior limestone, the project has included new steel supports for the stones, new mortar where needed throughout the structure, new screens around the top and a new door. Workers will also install a new sound system for the bell tower.
Crews removed and catalogued about 1,700 stones. Some were replaced with stone from the same quarry — the Salem deposit in Indiana — as the original limestone. According to Connor Griess, the director of campus planning, they estimated having to replace 78 stones during the planning phase.
“(It is from the) same quarry that the original stone came from so it will leave a good color match,” Griess said. “It’s unlikely to tell any difference between the new stone and original stone as it will all be repaired and restored so color will not be an issue.”
Pleake said recent milder weather has allowed for the project to move forward more quickly than anticipated.
The tower is also receiving new stainless-steel anchors, a waterproof coating, a new roof and repainting on the upper grillwork. The upgrades are designed to better protect the building from water and weather damage that has built up over the decades.
Pleake said she is looking forward to the return of the campus landmark with a refreshed appearance.
“Instead of demolishing and building something new, it’s nice to see we still appreciate our older monuments on campus,” Pleake said. “Instead of trying to remove them or change them, we’re trying to restore it back to its original state.”
The tower was built in 1949 through a gift from alumnus and electronics pioneer Ralph Mueller.
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