Buford Tower repairs come to an end

Restoration of downtown’s historic Buford Tower is complete. A 2021 fire at the six-story landmark was a flashpoint in the city’s heated discussion about the once-repealed camping ban and homelessness policies. It damaged brick, windows and a concrete plinth that has now been repaired and replaced in accordance with historic preservation standards. The project also updated electric systems and the tower’s carillon chimes. The bell tower has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016. Ironically enough, it was built in 1930 as a fire drill tower.