UNL's Mueller Tower ongoing restoration happening.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A familiar sight and sound on University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s city campus is undergoing major renovations this summer.

Mueller Tower, the 84-foot limestone bell tower that has stood at the heart of city campus since 1949, is getting a full makeover. The project is focused on preserving the tower’s historic character while improving its structural integrity for the future.

Funded by state maintenance dollars through Legislative Bill 384, the work began in mid-May. Kehm Contractors, a family-owned restoration company based in Omaha, is leading the construction.

Crews have begun removing and cataloging each of the tower’s roughly 1,700 limestone blocks. According to Connor Griess, the Director of Campus Planning, they are estimating having to replace 78 stones. These new stones will be cut from the same Indiana limestone that was used in the original construction.

“[It is from the] same Quarry that the original stone came from so it will leave a good color match,” Griess said. “It’s unlikely to tell any difference between the new stone and original stone as it will all be repaired and restored so color will not be an issue.”

The tower is also receiving new stainless-steel anchors, a waterproof coating, a new roof, a new entrance door and repainting on the upper grillwork. The upgrades are designed to better protect the building from water and weather damage that has built up over the decades.

“In 2006, we noticed that there was spalling and cracking that was occurring on the exterior,” Griess said. “With some investigation, we determined that there was some water seepage that was getting behind the stone, cracking off pieces. It became a safety concern.”

Built as a gift from alumnus Ralph Mueller, the tower was originally designed by a senior architecture major George Kuska. The design features Art Deco styling with a corn motif at the top, a way to recognize Mueller’s request for a Nebraska-inspired feature.

“It’s a campus and community staple, being able to hear the sound of the carillon through campus to mark the hours and the class changes and those times. It’s just a significant effort.”

Each stone has a specific place on the tower. Griess says the most difficult part is the effort that goes into removing each stone and cataloging them, so they know exactly where the stone goes when it is time to rebuild it.

Mueller Tower first chimed during Homecoming Week in 1949. Although it once housed an electronic carillon bell system, today its sounds are broadcast digitally throughout the campus. It continues to mark time for students and staff and serves as a welcoming sound on Husker football Saturdays.

“If you’ve been on campus, or you’ve been around Lincoln or you’re an alum, you will immediately recognize and notice the sounds of the tower.”

The tower stands between Love Library and the Coliseum and remains a centerpiece of UNL’s city campus.

“It will not be done by the time classes start,” Griess said. “We are about a month away until students start showing up on campus. We still only have approximately one-third of the tower removed.”

Project managers are still unsure exactly when the renovation is going to be done, but it is expected to be complete sometime this fall.

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