CPCC to Break Ground for Central Campus Tower

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and members of the Allen Tate family and real estate company broke ground today for a new Central Campus clock tower--the Allen Tate Tower. More than 50 people braved cold temperatures in the 30s and a stiff breeze to witness the special occasion.

Looking to take its place among the prominent college and university landmarks across the Carolinas, the Allen Tate Tower will serve as a focal point on CPCC's Central Campus. The Allen Tate Tower will stand approximately 48 feet tall, with a base of about 144 square feet. The tower will be constructed of brick and cast stone and feature a four-sided clock face approximately six feet in diameter.

The tower will be the result of a generous contribution from H. Allen Tate Jr., founder and CEO of the Allen Tate Co., the Charlotte-based real estate firm. Weather permitting, construction of the tower will be completed in early 2015, sometime during CPCC's spring semester. Little Diversified Architectural Consulting is providing the design work on the project.

"The Allen Tate Tower will be a wonderful addition to CPCC's Central Campus," said Dr. Tony Zeiss, CPCC president. "In discussions with Allen, he conveyed a feeling that our Central Campus, while lovely, lacked a signature landmark, the kind that students and alumni will grow to love and identify with. And we could not agree more.

"Allen Tate has been a long time, generous benefactor and friend of the college. This tower will serve as a college landmark and a monument to his abiding support," Zeiss added.

The clock tower will be located on Elizabeth Avenue, between the Terrell Building and the Elizabeth Classroom Building. The prominent site will give students, employees and passing motorists a clear view of the tower.ate has been a long time, generous benefactor and friend of the college. This tower will serve as a college landmark and a monument to his abiding support," Zeiss added.

"CPCC is an outstanding institution that prepares students for employment and lifelong education. This tower will serve as a great symbol of achievement and reminder of the hard work and commitment the students have made to achieve their goals," said H. Allen Tate Jr.

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