New Observation Tower at Grapevine’s Main Station offers authentic look, scenic views

The Grapevine skyline will soon have a new addition with the Observation Tower at Grapevine Main Station, which is set to open by the end of October.

The tower is being built to project an authentic historic appearance of clock towers commonly found in 19th century train stations. Four glass clocks with 12-foot diameter faces were recently installed. They were designed by Electric Time Company, an organization that has been mastering the art of handcrafted clock manufacturing for more than 100 years.

The design of the clocks was custom manufactured to replicate a popular style of that period with Roman numerals and complementary dial markings and hands. This design is compatible with the Texas-Italianate style of the station.

The once common mechanical tower clock movements have been replaced with modern, maintenance free electric clock movements with electric controllers.

The translucent white acrylic face is closed to withstand intense Texas weather. It will be illuminated from the back with LED lighting, allowing it to be seen from miles away.

“The Grapevine Main Observation Tower is a symbolic structure for the city of Grapevine that represents a welcome message to all travelers,” said Sophia Stoller, media relations director.

“From the observation deck visitors will be able to view spectacular 360-degree views of Grapevine and the Dallas/Fort Worth region.”

The Observation Tower, which rises 150 feet above the public plaza, sits across from the recently opened Hotel Vin, Grapevine’s first boutique hotel. The hotel is connected to Harvest Hall, which is also opening in October and will feature a variety of upscale dining facilities.

“There is really nothing like it in North Texas. The opportunity to look across the prairie for miles and see Grapevine Lake, DFW International Airport, the spider web of highways, the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton, and everything imaginable in between,” said Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate.

“At the same time, it is an elevation that can be seen from the ground for miles away. It is a monument to the glory days of the Cotton Belt Railroad and helps define our Tower District, which represents the future of transportation in the region.”