Modern Lakewood Shopping Center clock installed after 3 years of vacancy. Photo by Lillian Juarez
The famous Lakewood Shopping Center clock has undergone several phases over the years. In December 2021, crew members removed the old neon clock, leaving a dark circular outline that remained for three years. But in January 2024, the clock returned with a modern look.
According to previous Advocate reporting, the clock was removed in preparation for the arrival of Sweetgreen and to upgrade the facade of the shopping center.
The clock’s installation was initially planned to coincide with Sweetgreen’s opening, the Advocate reported. However, it wasn’t until five months after Sweetgreen’s grand opening the clock was installed.
This isn’t the first time the clock has been taken down. In the past decade, the clock has been removed twice.
In 2013, under the ownership of Lincoln Property Co., the clock was taken down for about a year and a half for repairs. Then, at the end of 2016, while Sugarbacon was open, a neon backing was added to the clock.
The latest version of the clock features a bright white design with black clock hands and the letters L, K, W, and D to abbreviate Lakewood. While it may not be immediately clear what time it is at a glance, the new design is certainly an upgrade.
