By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

For the past two years, Catalyst Experiential, a Newtown Square-based company that integrates visual communication technology with local landmarks, infrastructure, and community experiences, has worked with the Township of Pennsauken to create something truly unique that welcomes residents and visitors into the community. On Rt. 38, a gaudy, pink-colored building that once held a stereo repair shop has been transformed into a “living clocktower,” a landmark with green spaces, water features, and more, all created without any financial cost to the Township or its taxpayers.

“On behalf of myself and the rest of Township Committee, we want to thank Catalyst Experiential for coming into our town and taking something that was a problem and putting up something beautiful like this clocktower,” said Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista.

“The site that we’re standing on here today was actually identified as a site in need of transformation,” explained Amanda Toton, vice president for Catalyst Experiential. “Together, we were able to create a significant, esthetic improvement to this site and for the community.”

Located at 5324 Rt. 38, The “living clocktower” features a vertical wall of living plants, which is watered through an irrigation system inside. The clocktower sits in the middle of a pond that is a third of an acre in size and surrounded by several water fountains and 132 tons of natural boulders. Sixty-two 20-foot-tall evergreen trees serve as a backdrop to the installation and act as a natural sound barrier for the traffic on the highway.  

“The design features are not only custom built but designed in a way to bring green space and natural elements back into this environment,” said Toton.

On both sides of the clocktower is a high-quality digital display, which primarily contains advertising, the revenue from which enables the maintenance and upkeep of the landmark. In addition, the ordinance passed by Pennsauken Township’s Planning Board allows time for municipal, civil, or emergency messaging at two-minute intervals.

It’s nice to know that we’ll be able to share important information with our residents, so they can be aware of what’s happening in our town,” said Mayor DiBattista.

Catalyst Experiential purchased the property, leveled the existing structure, and completed the redevelopment using their own company funds. They are also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the site. No Township or taxpayer funds were used at any point.

A sister location to the clocktower is currently being finished by Catalyst on Rt. 70, at the site of a former rug store. Work is anticipated to be completed in the coming months.

“It means a lot to us to have Catalyst in our Township,” said Mayor DiBattista. “Instead of an eyesore along a heavily traveled highway, they’ve created something spectacular.”