A clock tower, a pedestrian promenade and improved lighting have given the center of Elizabeth City State University's campus a whole new look.

The project, which took six to eight months to complete, culminated Saturday with the unveiling ceremony for the clock tower.

Brett A. Clark/The Daily Advance (ENLARGE)

Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Willie Gilchrist (left) and Elizabeth City Mayor Steve Atkinson helped unveil the new clock outside the Ridley Student Center at ECSU Saturday.

Custom built by Fancy Street Clock Company of Illinois, the 18-foot clock tower features a four-faced clock and aluminum construction. The clock's black faces are trimmed in the university's royal blue and feature the ECSU logo in the center.

Randy Saunders, electrical supervisor, said the clock also features a lighted dial and different tones that will sound on the hour. He said the clock is a first for ECSU.

"Every university has some sort of clock," he said.

The cost of the clock wasn't immediately available.

In addition to the clock, the campus gains a 600-foot Viking Promenade to better connect the campus. The walkway allows for easier foot access to the student center, dormitories and many campus buildings.

Saunders said having the walkway in place will also improve the image of the campus.

"Before that, it was just a road that went through there," he said.

The center of campus also includes additional benches and new lighting.

The lighting, which is designed to use less energy and have a longer shelf life, will be used in other parts of the campus in the future, Saunders said.

The university is also sponsoring a Viking Walk of Fame campaign to benefit the Division of Student Affairs. For $100, donors will be able to have an inscription placed on a brick on the walkway.

For more information, call 335-3329.