Louisville, KY. (WDRB News) -- A Louisville businessman continues to lead the effort of restoring a local landmark, and he has managed his civic duties while growing his own local company.
The Louisville clock, originally designed by the late Barney Bright, a well-known local sculptor and artist, is back on Fourth Street, this time at Theatre Square. It has largely been restored through the efforts of local businessman Adam Burckle.
"It is the most unique folk art clock in the world," says Burckle, "there is nothing like it; it is the largest one on the world and to have it in your own hometown and be a part of it is a great thing."
Burckle has spent the past eight years heading a foundation that has raised more than a million dollars to restore the clock, which is still not quite ready for its formal rededication into the community.
"We are tweaking it and turning it right now," says Burckle, "we don't have manuals or instructions so we learn a little bit more each time we get further into it."
Burckle has managed to devote time to restoring the clock while expanding his own business, the Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen during tough economic times.
"We are a debt free company," he says, "so it allows us to manage our cash flow and move forward."
His company is moving forward. It was in 2005 when he first purchased what was then the only pie kitchen located on Bardstown Road. His newest store is on Frankfort Avenue in the Clifton neighborhood.
"We are a home grown company," he adds, "we are family owned; we've gone from one store to nine stores; they are in neighborhoods, they fill the needs of the neighborhoods and they bring back the old fashioned neighborhood bakery."
Burckle says he still plans to open at least two more pie kitchens in the region.
In the meantime he is looking forward to when the restoration work on the clock is finally finished. He hopes the clock can begin running on a regular schedule sometime in August.
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