Tower General Contractors Selected to Renovate LAX Theme Building

Business Wire,  July 8, 2008  

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$15 Million Project Is Latest in Long List Of Historical Renovations for Tower

LOS ANGELES -- Tower General Contractors, the largest minority-owned general contractor in Los Angeles County, announced that it has been selected to renovate the historic LAX Theme Building. The $15 million renovation of the 1961 Los Angeles landmark structure is set to begin next month and to be completed in August 2009.

Renovation will include several elements: structurally reinforcing the steel arches and replacing the exterior surface along the four (4) arches of the Theme Building. The renovation will also include the seismic retrofit of the 28-foot high plaza level screen wall with carbon polymer fiber wrap and installing additional foundation grade beams along the perimeter on helical piles. Once the renovation is complete, the observation platform that was closed shortly after September 11th will be reopened to the public.

The project includes the seismic retrofit of the 130-foot high "core" building structure and the addition of a 1.3 million pound, state of the art, Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). A TMD minimizes the movement of a building in the event of an earthquake.

The distinctive white building resembles a flying saucer that has landed on its four legs. It was designed in 1961 by a team of architects and engineers headed by William Pereira and Charles Luckman, that also included Paul Williams and Welton Becket. A restaurant that once provided a rotating view of the airport is suspended beneath two intersecting arches that form the legs. The Los Angeles City Council designated the building a cultural and historical monument in 1992.

"Tower is honored to be working on such a historic building structure that so many people see when they walk through Los Angeles International Airport," commented Alex Guerrero, Executive Vice President of Tower General Contractors. "We look forward to upgrading and modernizing this very important part of the area's historical landscape, while maintaining the classic beauty that people have come to know and love."

Commented Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, "There is no structure at any airport, anywhere, that is better known and more completely captures the history and character of the surrounding city. The LAX Theme Building is as L.A. as you get, and I am thrilled to be moving forward with its renovation and modernization. LAX will continue to be the gateway to America."

Since the Company's founding in 1985, Tower General Contractors has been involved in a number of historical renovations in California. These projects have included:

* Allen Hancock Foundation Building at The University of Southern California - Constructed in 1918, the elements of historic significance were the exterior finishes, molding, windows and doors. Tower developed methods that allowed a complete renovation of the building without compromising its historical elements.

* UCLA Knudsen Hall - Constructed in 1963. The 10,000-square-foot renovation included upgrading the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other prime utility systems while preserving the architectural integrity of the building. Renovation was completed during summer break.

* The Arroyo Seco Building in Old Town Pasadena - This historic Pasadena landmark underwent a complete construction of a new core and shell including the design and installation of new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems while maintaining the historical features of the building.

* Cheesecake Factory Building in Old Town Pasadena - This 71-year old office building underwent a complete remodeling to preserve the interior of the building and its unique facade. The bottom floor is still home to a Cheesecake Factory restaurant.

* The Villa Maria at St. John of God - Built in 1908 by William Ramsey, a Chicago lumber baron, the interior of the building is adorned in Jamaican mahogany, a tree that no longer exists. Tower was hired for its expertise in preserving and bringing back the original splendor of the building. Tower also installed new modern electrical and mechanical systems to the 100-year old building.

* The Beverly Hills City Hall - Designed and built in 1932, Tower's renovation includes restoring the historic architectural details and interior design of the building and will upgrade its electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

Photos of the LAX Theme Building and any of the projects mentioned above are available upon request.

About Tower General Contractors

Based in Los Angeles and Irvine, California and founded in 1985, Tower General Contractors is the largest minority-owned General Contractor Company in the county of Los Angeles and one of the leading construction firms in California. The company has 42 employees and currently has approximately $75 million under contract. Tower has a distinguished reputation in construction for key industries including: healthcare, education, entertainment, retail, industrial and defense. Some of the firm's notable projects include: The Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center, The UCLA Astronomy Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Emergency Department, the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Office and The Beverly Hills City Hall remodel. The company provides services in three key areas: pre-construction, general contracting and design/build. In 2007, Tower opened the company's second office in Irvine, California and was named among the fastest growing privately held companies by the Los Angeles Business Journal. www.towergeneralcontractors.com

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