The Region : Watts Towers Renovation Completed

Restoration of the Watts Towers, begun in 1978, has been officially completed, state and local officials announced. Fred Croton, the city’s general manager for cultural affairs, said plans call for allowing the public to view the restoration work the weekend of July 27 and 28, during the 9th annual Watts Towers/Salem Jazz Festival. The Los Angeles City Council has been asked to provide funds for maintenance and security for the complex of minarets, spires, steeples and turrets fashioned over a 33-year period by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia. The restoration, paid for by the state, cost $1.2 million.