Iconic bell tower at historic Atlanta cemetery unveiled after months of restoration

ATLANTA — A brand new chapter started Wednesday for Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery.

The enduring bell tower is restored.

Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach was there for the ribbon-cutting and explains the way it brings new life to the hallowed grounds.

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Ringing once more … the bell tolls in Oakland Cemetery’s iconic bell tower.

In-built 1899, it took months to revive.

However the renovated bell tower with exterior balconies introduced again overlooking the skyline will change into an academic and group house for luncheons, weddings and different public occasions.

“It appears nice. I’m completely satisfied,” Sam Reed mentioned.

Oakland’s present sexton, and the cemetery’s chief administrator the final 24 years, Reed sees it not as a spot of mourning, however considered one of celebration and life and welcomes the adjustments.

“As a spot to go to, to have picnics, to have a good time their family members right here, not as a tragic factor, however as a contented factor,” Reed says.

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Metropolis leaders say the cemetery is a real public-private partnership, elevating hundreds of thousands for Oakland via Make investments Atlanta and The Imlay Basis.

And in slicing the ribbon on the bell tower, Mayor Andre Dickens says it’s a part of his objective to embrace Atlanta’s difficult historical past and protect it.

“We all know now we have to make our peace with our historical past with a purpose to transfer town ahead. All of that may occur proper right here at Oakland,” Dickens mentioned.

And as for that vault within the bell tower’s basement … “It’s going to be attention-grabbing,” Reed mentioned.

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However he’s prepared to maneuver again in, proceed his stewardship, and proceed Oakland’s legacy.

The subsequent undertaking in Oakland Cemetery’s 20-year grasp plan occurs exterior the entrance gates.

They’ll break floor in 2023 on a model new customer heart.

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