A Minimalistic Public Clock Adorning a Federal Building

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While walking from downtown Detroit to my hostel, I came across what looked like a public clock.

It had a minimalistic look. Just two discs, each with a notch.
One notch was shorter and another was longer, which gave me the hint of a clock.

I talked with the security guard at the gate and confirmed this.

Minimalistic Public Clock in Detroit
Minimalistic Public Clock in Detroit1600Ă—1205 206 KB

The building was the US Customs Field Office on Michigan Avenue.

A clock on a federal building surprised me since public clocks have been traditionally installed by private businesses or individuals.

:airplane: How to Reach

Read how to reach downtown Detroit from the airport.

:shallow_pan_of_food: Where to Eat

Try the coney hot dog at the American Coney Island.

:mushroom: Detroit Attractions and Things to Do

  1. Visit the Corner Public Clock above Fresh Mex.
  2. Visit places that appear in Hollywood movies.
  3. Visit the Kern’s Clock - a landmark iconic clock tower in Detroit.
  4. Explore the Street Art in Detroit
  5. Visit the Minimalistic Art - Clock Tower on Michigan Avenue.

Here are my officially recorded previous Clock Tower Visits:

  1. Merta City Clock Tower
  2. Surat Clock Tower
  3. Pune Police Station Clock Tower
  4. The Fascinating Clock Tower of Spicer University in Pune
  5. The Elegant Clock Tower of Suburban Tokyo
  6. The Clock Tower Replica of Las Vegas
  7. Houston’s Magnificent Clock Tower
  8. A Replica Clock Tower in The Universal Studios of Orlando
  9. Clock tower outside the National Park in Mumbai
  10. A Unique 45° Corner Public Clock in Seattle, USA
  11. Clock Tower of Aurangabad - Nostalgic Feelings of Childhood
  12. The Clock Tower of Nashik - Simple Yet Elegant
  13. An Ordinary Public Clock and the Extraordinary Streets of Tokyo
  14. A Clock Tower at the Foothills of Mt. Fuji in Japan
  15. Public Clock of the Gurudwara in Gurugram
  16. The New Public Clock in the City Market of Pune
  17. The Vanaz Clock Tower on Paud Road in Pune
  18. Karve Road Clock Tower in Pune
  19. Thane Clock Tower - Discovered in Serendipity.
  20. Discovering and Adding a Clock Tower in Pune.
  21. Discovered a new Clock Tower in Gurugram
  22. A Majestic Public Clock at a Temple Entrance in Kolhapur
  23. The Clock Tower in Wanawadi - Simple and Unwavering
  24. Clock Tower in a Constitution Park - Double Bonanza
  25. Enchanting Clock Tower by the Seaside in Sunny San Diego
  26. Philadelphia Clock Tower - World Records and American Superstitions
  27. Independence Hall Clock Tower in Philadelphia
  28. World’s only Bonsai Clock Tower in Japan
  29. A Public Corner Clock greeted me on arrival in Detroit
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Thank you so much for sharing this, @TusharSuradkar :folded_hands:
As a Connect Moderator, your contributions always stand out—and this one is no exception. I love how you noticed something so simple yet meaningful and turned it into a story that teaches us to observe more closely.

Your passion for clock towers and the way you document them from around the world is truly inspiring. It’s a great reminder that every detail, even a notch on a building, can tell a story.

Appreciate the way you guide and inspire the Local Guides community through both your knowledge and curiosity! :alarm_clock::globe_showing_europe_africa::clap:

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next series of clock towers. you are so awesome @TusharSuradkar to be so diligent in noting clock towers wherever you come across. rare interest and keep it up! thank you for sharing

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I really liked the design of the building as well as the clock @TusharSuradkar sir.A special thanks to you for confirming it with the security guards of the office,this shows that you are a very honest LG🙏

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That’s really worth noting. Great observation @TusharSuradkar. Thank you!

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Very nice observation @TusharSuradkar

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Von der Gestaltung des entsprechenden Gebäudeteil hatte ich die Vorstellung dort befinden sich Aufzüge @TusharSuradkar
Dieser Gebäudeteil muss ja einen bestimmten Zweck haben.

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This is such a fascinating discovery @TusharSuradkar Ji.

Your attention to detail and curiosity turned what many might walk past without noticing into a thoughtful observation — that’s the true spirit of exploration. The minimalistic design of the clock is intriguing; it blends so subtly into the architecture, and yet it carries a quiet elegance that invites a second look.

Thanks for sharing this gem — it adds another layer to your already rich Detroit walk series.

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It is funny, when we drive around and see the clock, @keithlabeau point it to me and he said @TusharSuradkar will like it. I never paid very close attention to the clock, but it changes now.

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Thanks to @keithlabeau - I knew only a person with a passion would understandably know why some people behave crazy for an ordinary thing like a clock tower.

The international kite festival in India will be around January 14 next year which is also the best time of the year to visit India. Please plan to travel during that time @Erna_LaBeau we have a strong local guides community in Gujarat as well.

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Hmmm it may be a birthday present for someone wink wink @keithlabeau this would be very neat to get away from the Michigan cold

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