ORANGE, Texas — The City of Orange is working with Houston based company, TCP Realty, as they tear down the iconic clock tower at Northway Shopping Center.
This is in an effort to attract new businesses to the shopping center.
City of Orange Communication Director Alison Clary tells 12News that it's necessary for the clock tower to come down in order to create space for new life.
"There is some nostalgia associated with the clock tower as a landmark or as an icon that's visible from Interstate 10," Clary said. "I know it's been damaged by hurricanes and storms and beyond repair so while it's sad to see it come down it is an opportunity for growth in this area and that's very welcomed."
Northway Shopping Center is owned by TCP. After a long period of minimal activity, they're remodeling the space in order to attract retail businesses.
The clock tower has been around since the 70s and no longer complied with code enforcement policies.
Orange city leaders are welcoming change.
"The City of Orange is excited to be working with TCP Realty Houston to bring retail and investment interest to the community itself and attract new businesses and the opportunities that this will present will be great," said Clary.
She says although businesses like Market Basket and Family Dollar are present, there are many vacant spaces.
"As you can see there's a lot of opportunity here for repurposing and redevelopment," Clary said.
The city plans to put Northway Shopping Center to good use.
"Orange is strategically located. We're right here on the interstate. We're the gateway to Texas. We're the first city that you get to from Louisiana traveling east and we're the last place in Texas whenever you're leaving," Clary told 12News.
The project is still in the very early stages. TCP says they plan to completely demolish the tower in the next 15 days.