Since last week, Phillips Theme Tower has been undergoing restoration. In addition to painting the Theme Tower’s exterior stucco as well as maintaining the door and the frame, a bird deterrent system will be added.
Raul Perez, coordinator of Facilities Management & Planning, called for the restoration after seeing signs of the color fading and the metal trim of the building rusting.
Jerry Derloshon, director of Public Relations and News, explained in an email that the restoration provided an opportunity to both deter birds and prevent mess at the tower base.
“This will also help reduce the chance that visitors might be inadvertently targeted by the birds.” Derloshon wrote.
A safe bird deterrent system that will repel swallows from nesting is part of the restoration process.
“The base of the cross, between the two upright structures, has been a favorite nest-building area for years,” Derloshon said.
The Theme Tower has been covered in black netting to protect the surrounding structures as well as passing vehicles from the paint overspray. The estimated cost of the restoration is $75,000.
Restoration work takes place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The project is scheduled to end by Oct. 21.