The clock tower and buildings in its vicinity served as an early example of controlled development, retaining a common set of building rules, raw materials, and architectural style. The ensembles of buildings are the only examples of the Neo-Palladian styles, making them visually distinct and important in the evolution of Mumbai’s architectural heritage.
Rustication is used to give visual weight to the ground floor in contrast to smooth ashlar on the floors above. Rustication was used in ancient times but became especially popular in the revived classical styles of Italian Renaissance architecture and that of subsequent periods, particularly on the lower floors of secular buildings.
The ground floor of the clock tower is 12 square feet in area and open on all sides. A path leading from Jijamata Bhonsle Udyan is the entry point, and it exits on BR Ambedkar Road, though a boundary wall separates the road and the tower. The other two entrances have balustrades. The entrances are flanked on either side by decorative fluted colonettes.
David Sassoon's (1792–1864) name is inscribed on the ground floor arch. He funded many public welfare institutions and also donated £15,000 for the construction of an illuminated clock tower at the entrance to Victoria Gardens. Various charity trusts, which continue to exist today, were funded and named after David Sassoon and members of the Sassoon family.
David Sassoon Clock Tower, the triple-arched gateway to Victoria Garden, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Frere Temple (inside Victoria Garden) were all designed by the same architect, William Tracey. Unfortunately, Tracey died midway, and the projects were completed by Messrs. Scott, McClelland & Co.
During the 17th century, many architects studying in Italy got inspired by Palladio's work, and on returning to their home countries, they adopted the Palladian style, leading to its widespread popularity across Europe and North America. The style remained popular till the 19th century, later making way for Neo-Classical and Neo-Gothic styles.
The ground floor arches have terracotta keystones with faces that are allegorical depictions of the hours of the day, representing morning, evening, noon, and night, each facing a cardinal direction.