Content area
Full Text
VAN NUYS - Bruised by earthquakes and passed over by time, Van Nuys City Hall is getting an $18 million face-lift designed to bring its offices into the 21st century while preserving its historic charm.
Built in 1932 as a replica of Los Angeles City Hall, the 11- story art deco-moderne structure is undergoing seismic retrofitting, restoration of council chambers and office spaces, and an upgrade of its plumbing and electrical systems.
New features include exterior lighting, a 300-space underground parking garage and a pedestrian plaza.
Set to reopen in about six months, the building at 14410 Sylvan St. also is being made fully accessible to the disabled.
"We're returning the building back to the people with another 50- , 100-year life," architect Carmelo A. Sabatella said.
The project is funded by $11.5 million in city seismic bonds, $6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $500,000 from Project Restore, a nonprofit group dedicated to restoring and preserving Los Angeles City Hall and other municipal buildings.
The restoration project began...