Barracks Row Streetscape to Feature Early 20th Century-Style Street Clock – Gift from Barracks Row Neighbor

Barracks Row Streetscape to Feature Early 20^th Century-Style Street Clock

Gift from Barracks Row Neighbor

by Larry Janezich

The image above depicts where a street clock, typical of those which were popular on main streets across the United States in the early Twentieth Century, will soon become a prominent feature of the Barracks Row streetscape.  Manufactured by the Verdin Co of Cincinnati, Ohio, founded in 1842, the clock is made of aluminum, finished in black with touches of gold detailing.  Roman numerals represent the hours and the hands of the clock have traditional spade-shaped tips.

The clock is being given to Barracks Row Main Street by Karl and Carrol Kindel, 726 9^th Street, SE, and Barracks Row restaurateur Xavier Cerevera.  The idea originated with Karl Kindel, according to Sharon Bosworth, Marketing Manager, Barracks Row Main Street:  “Karl loves clocks and simply wanted to have one in his neighborhood.”

At its February meeting, ANC6b unanimously agreed to a Public Space Permit to allow the installation in front of the Senart’s Oyster House restaurant at 520 8^th Street, SE.  The owner of Senart’s, Xavier Cervera, will provide electrical service and maintenance.  Cervera is also financing the prep work and the base for the clock.  Barrack Row Main Street will be the owner of the clock.  ANC approval was contingent upon a letter of agreement between the parties as to service, upkeep, and paying for electrical service.

Bosworth said, “As a non profit, BRMS could not afford to have it installed and to pay for maintenance and insurance.  Xavier Cervera, owner of The Chesapeake Room, Molly Malone’s, Lola’s and soon-to-open Senert’s Oyster House, volunteered to do the installation and to cover the maintenance and liability.”

Cervera also plans a new Barracks Row restaurant, Pacifico, to occupy the site currently occupied by Capital Video.  And yesterday, The Hill Is Home  http://www.thehillishome.com/ reported that he plans to open a new bar across from Eastern Market in the building occupied by Le Petite Gourmet.