MCI Center Renovation Begins

Japan-based Hope & Flower has begun an $8.5-million renovation of its 2.5-million-square-foot MCI Center at 7th and Flower streets in Los Angeles.

The project will include upgrades of mechanical systems at the 700 S. Flower office tower and the Macy’s Plaza shopping mall, as well as new furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Hyatt Regency hotel, said Cliff Smith, a senior vice president at Beverly Hills-based Kennedy-Wilson Inc., asset manager for the property.

The renovation will include other improvements at the retail center as well, Smith said.

The MCI Center opened in 1972 and has been owned by Hope & Flower for more than 10 years.