A major renovation is underway on Mueller Tower, the 84-foot limestone landmark that has stood at the heart of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus since 1949.
The project aims to preserve the bell tower’s structural integrity and historic character while improving its durability for future generations of Huskers.
Funded through state maintenance dollars allocated by the Nebraska Legislature under Legislative Bill 384, the work will include replacing deteriorating limestone, reinforcing structural anchors and upgrading waterproofing systems. Construction is being led by Kehm Contractors, a family-owned building restoration company based out of Omaha. Work began May 19 and is expected to be completed in the fall.
“The stone in the tower has been chipping and spalling due to years of wear and weather damage,” said Jennifer Pleake, a project manager with Facilities Planning and Capital Programs. “It was definitely time to give Mueller Tower a tune-up.”
Built through a gift from alumnus and electronics pioneer Ralph Mueller, the tower was designed by student George Kuska in an Art Deco style and constructed with Indiana limestone. Originally housing a carillon bell system — a cutting-edge feature at the time — the tower now broadcasts chimes electronically across campus.
Crews are removing and cataloging each of the tower’s approximately 1,700 stones, identifying those that need replacement. Preliminary surveys show that 78 stones will be replaced with new ones cut from the same material — Indiana limestone from the Salem deposit — to ensure consistency in appearance.
Each stone is unique in size, requiring workers to reinstall them in their original positions.
“The replacement stones have to match exactly — size, shape, everything,” Pleake said. “It’s like a puzzle where every piece matters.”
The renovation also includes repointing the brick core, installing stainless steel anchors to resist corrosion, applying a waterproof coating and using breathable mortar joints to improve water drainage. The tower’s upper grillwork will be repainted, and a new entrance door and roof will be installed.
“It’s a sentimental landmark for a lot of people,” Pleake said. “We’re glad to help preserve it.”
