Belding clock tower to be saved, moved

BELDING, Mich. (WOOD) - It appears the fight over Belding's iconic clock tower is settled.

Electrolux, which owns the former Belding Brothers' old silk mill factory, sued the City of Belding in 2011 when its petition to demolish the clock tower on the site was rejected. The city had condemned the property before Electrolux purchased it.

But Thursday, the city came to an agreement with Electrolux that will save the portions of the abandoned plant's clock tower, court documents show.

The company can now demolish the building, but they must do their best to save as much of the clock tower as possible.

The court documents specify that Electrolux will have to save the slate roof, the clock itself, the wood housing surrounding the clock, blocks and placards that read "Belding Bros," and the plaque stating the year of construction.

Electrolux will also have to pay the city of Belding $125,00 to build a park on the site of the building, and to help move the clock tower or build a replica nearby.