Our neighborhood has a new centerpiece: the Toluca Lake Village clock. Installed on January 24, this long-anticipated addition along Riverside Drive represents years of dedication and collaboration. “This clock is more than just beautification; it’s a symbol of our community’s identity and history,” Toluca Lake Beautification Partners (TLBP) chair Ryan Altoon says.
First envisioned in 2018 by Peter Generales, a current TLBP board member who was then president of the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, the project sought to enhance the neighborhood’s identity by replacing the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce sign near Chase Bank on Riverside. “Public clocks have long provided a sense of place,” Altoon explains. “Peter envisioned a landmark that brings people together and reflects our unique charm.” Generales designed the clock with his team during his tenure as Chamber president. After his term ended, the newly formed TLBP developed the project, expanding the landscape area to include two seating areas and raising the clock on a brick pedestal for greater visibility and prominence.
The city application was submitted just weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, causing major delays. “For years, we faced shifting civic priorities, but we remained committed,” Altoon recalls. Progress accelerated in early 2023 when then-Council President Paul Krekorian’s office advocated for the project.
Through close coordination with city departments and over 75 emails, the team secured final approval. “The level of effort was immense, but the dedication of our team made it possible,” Altoon says. “When the Board of Public Works approved it, we knew the wait was worth it.”
Standing 16 feet tall, the Verdin Howard Replica Seth Thomas II clock features four LED backlit dials for visibility and automatic lighting adjustments. It is surrounded by illuminated benches, drought-tolerant landscaping and brick pavers. “We designed it as more than a clock — it’s a welcoming space,” Altoon notes.
A standout feature is the clock’s programmable music and chimes, which Altoon calls “an added touch that enhances the experience.” The timepiece also features gold accents, intricate scrollwork and footers reading “Toluca Lake” and “Established 1923.” Donor names will be included to recognize community contributions.
The clock has received enthusiastic praise since its installation. “Residents stop to admire it, take photos and express appreciation,” Altoon says. “It’s amazing to see how a clock can evoke such community pride.”
To celebrate, TLBP is hosting a public ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 4 at 2 p.m. “This event will mark not just the unveiling but also a celebration of the collective effort that made it possible,” Altoon says.
Standing proudly on Riverside Drive, the Toluca Lake Village clock symbolizes both history and the future. “This clock represents Toluca Lake’s charm and the dedication of those who care about its legacy,” Altoon says. “We’re proud to share it with our community, stakeholders and the public.”