The new tower replaces the facility’s old tower. The building sides of the tower are made from pre-cast concrete panels integrated with deeply textured vertical channels. The tower is adorned with in-lays of the 1914 Benoist airboat on one side whereas its other side features an in-lay of the 1920s Ryan Brougham aircraft.
The tower incorporates a functional shaft spanning four storeys and 2,500 square feet of office area underneath the tower cab along with break and training rooms, equipment rooms and an elevator. It also houses a large observation room in the shape of an octagon which allows views of the encompassing airport. In addition, the tower is equipped with an advanced system which enables it to combat winds up to 130 mph and possesses a back-up generator.
The project has received $2.1 million in Federal Aviation Administration funds while the remaining amount has been contributed by the American Recovery and Reconstruction Act or stimulus funds approved in December 2009.
