C. Laney & Sons Construction, a Tennessee general contractor, has begun a historic effort to restore the Sevier County courthouse clock tower. Originally constructed in 1895, the existing tower requires complete removal and replacement due to its aging condition.

"Being a local contractor, our family and our employees have grown up looking at the tower," said Luke Laney, vice president of operations. "It's a true honor to be part of such an impactful project."

The courthouse has been a beloved landmark in Sevier County and the surrounding area since its completion in 1896, the centennial of the State of Tennessee. The clock tower is the courthouse's most prominent architectural feature, rising 75 feet above the building.

Originally constructed in 1895, the existing tower requires complete removal and replacement due to its aging condition.

Awarded to C. Laney & Sons Construction through a bidding process organized by the county, the reconstruction is significant for a number of reasons. For residents, the courthouse and its signature clock tower represent two of the most notable architectural features in Sevier County. The new tower will be an exact replica of the original.

Scheduled to conclude in mid-April, the project is happening at a time when much of the county is in the process of rebuilding. Many structures are still in need of repair after the wildfires that ravaged Sevier County in November 2016. The disaster resulted in the death of 14 people and nearly a billion dollars in damage.

"We are so excited to help restore our town by renewing this iconic figure," Laney said. "We are hopeful the new tower will serve as a reminder of our county's strength and resilience."