POST FALLS — More than marking the time, the new metal clocktower and surrounding artwork entwine the past and present at the roundabout at Fourth Avenue and Idaho Road. 

At a dedication ceremony Thursday put on by the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, Robert Jacobs said the art pieces tell a story that becomes part of the landscape.  

The design by artist Chris Anderson and Cooper Fabrication reused existing structural trusses on the clocktower, included old mill equipment and artifacts in the details and retained the existing hog silo as a landmark.

“While this installation is brand new, those designs pay tribute to the past,” Jacobs said. 

He hopes the clocktower becomes a symbol of tradition and a visual anchor for the community as Millworx develops into a walkable, recognizable city center.

Joe Malloy brought up the history of his family’s company on the land that made Idaho Veneer at 704 E. Fourth Ave. a hub of activity in 1953. 

He said John Gregor saw an opportunity to create a wood veneer business near the Idaho state line after his first attempt to buy property for a factory in Coeur d’Alene failed.

“He was sitting in a bar one night trying to figure out what to do and someone he was talking to said, ‘Have you tried over in Post Falls?’” Malloy said. “Post Falls welcomed him with open arms.” 

Land donated by Idaho Veneer went on to become a fire station, a police building and the grounds for Immaculate Conception Church. At one time, nearly every elementary school in Post Falls had equipment donated by Idaho Veneer, which closed in 2021. 

“They really did a lot to contribute back to the city that gave them so much,” Malloy said. 

Danny Davis recalled working with the Malloy family as they made the decision to wind down the factory. He said the Millworx development has already reached impressive heights. 

A and A Construction commissioning the clocktower artwork was only one ornate piece of the puzzle. 

Davis envisions the Millworx on Fourth Avenue to be on its way to becoming “Kendell Yards-esque,” and praised the development team.

“Kindred and Company is the best example of that, they are exactly what we want to see. They have a vision and a passion and they delivered and we couldn’t be happier about that,” Davis said.  

Mayor Ron Jacobson looked back to the past before dedicating the clocktower.

Robert Jacobs is the grandson of Bob and Mary Templin, “the name that has had significant impact in our area but especially in Post Falls” and “the Malloy family is synonymous with Post Falls.” Jacobson said.   

Jacobson was drawn to the clocktower design when the timber history of Post Falls was presented as a cornerstone of the project in a past City Council meeting. 

“The city of Post Falls doesn’t have a fund to provide artwork, but we have a lot of people who say you need artwork in roundabouts,” Jacobson said.

    Robert Jacobs leads a walking tour through Millworx properties at the Heartwood, North Yards and the future Hyatt Place and Silo Block North.
  

    Brooke Sexton looks at historic photos of where Millworx now stands in one of their model homes.
  

    Mayor Ron Jacobson announces the dedication of the new clocktower and surrounding artwork in Post Falls on the steps of Kindred and Co.
  

    The crowd awaits the dedication of a new art-filled roundabout Thursday by the steps of Kindred and Co. The display includes a clocktower and metal pieces from Post Falls industry over the years was incorporated into the design by artist Chris Anderson and Cooper Fabrication.