Work began Monday to take down, restore and then relocate the iconic KTLA radio tower to its original location on the Sunset Bronson Studios lot in Hollywood.
The tower move also paves the way for Hudson Pacific Properties construction of a 323,000-square-foot office building on the lot.
The 160-foot tall radio tower was one of two matching towers erected in 1925 that flanked the colonial-style office building at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue.
In 1950, one of the radio towers was permanently removed and the other was transferred to its current site on the lot’s northeast corner.
“The restoration and relocation of the former KFWB radio tower at Sunset Bronson Studios exemplify Hudson’s respect for the lot’s rich history and our commitment to its bright future,” Victor J. Coleman, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, stated in a news release.
KTLA’s call letters have been displayed on all four sides of the tower for more than 60 years.
Following an initial inspection, Hudson plans on moving the tower off-site for restoration and retrofitting.
The tower, along with updated KTLA signage, was expected to be reinstalled in early 2015.
