Local News in Brief : Saving of Towers Vowed
A city official vowed to take all steps necessary to preserve the Watts Towers, as a ceremony marked the beginning of a $100,000 improvement program for the sculptures.
“The city is intent on doing whatever it takes to provide a long life for these wonderful sculptures,†said Rodney Punt, general manager of the city’s Cultural Affairs Department.
The towers, built by Italian immigrant Sabato (Sam) Rodia of steel-reinforced concrete covered with pottery, tiles, shells, glass and rocks, are on the National Register of Historic Places. They are in disrepair, however, and have have been closed to tourists for a decade.
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