Photos: Czech Village Clock Tower renovation begins

Ben Griffith with Graham Construction Company removes sections of the Czech Village Clock Tower facade during the early demolition phase of the renovation project in southwest Cedar Rapids on Tuesday. The tower should be mostly covered by scaffolding beginning later this week so workers can continue demolition of the upper sides of the tower. The tower, damaged in the 2020 derecho, will undergo rebuilding and renovation. The work will include reconstructing the upper portion of the tower with bricks that match the lower section. An astronomical clock will be installed as well as hourly animations of figures representing Czech immigration to the United States. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Ben Griffith with Graham Construction Company removes sections of the Czech Village Clock Tower facade during the early demolition phase of the renovation project in southwest Cedar Rapids on Tuesday. The tower, damaged in the 2020 derecho, will undergo rebuilding and renovation. The work will include reconstructing the upper portion of the tower with bricks that match the lower section. An astronomical clock will be installed as well as hourly animations of figures representing Czech immigration to the United States. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Layers making up the outer facade of the Czech Village Clock Tower are seen as Ben Griffith with Graham Construction Company removes sections of the facade during the early demolition phase of the renovation project in southwest Cedar Rapids on Tuesday. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)