Veteran’s Memorial Building Tower
In 2017, the City of Culver City will be celebrating its centennial. Plans will soon be underway for commemorative activities and celebrations in honor of this special occasion.
In the spirit of the centennial, I would like to make the following suggestion: Why not open the Veteran’s Memorial Building Tower to the public? The Veteran’s Memorial
Building, including the tower, was constructed in 1950 with public funds raised by a $550,000 bond. The tower, referred to at that time as the “tourist tower,” was to be open to the public so they could look into the backlot of MGM and see the various movie sets. Since that time, the tower has been closed to the public for literally decades.
Why reopen the tower? There are a number of reasons why this should be done:
One: Public funds should be used for their intended purpose. The intent of the bond was to build the Veteran’s Memorial Building, including the tower, for public use. Failure to use public funds for the purpose for which they were intended is a betrayal of the public trust.
Two: The closure of a public facility used by the public should require public notification and input. When was the public notified that the tower would be closed to the public? When were the people of Culver City asked for their input?
Three: The tower can be used as a tourist gateway to downtown. The tower would serve as a magnet for tourists, many of whom would then go downtown to eat at our fine restaurants and visit our stores, generating much needed tax revenue and jobs for Culver City.
I propose that we not wait until the centennial to reopen the tower. Let’s do it now! For those who maintain that it’s not safe to go to the top of the tower, why was it safe for Huell Howser?
I propose that the tower be opened on a pilot basis, one day per month for several hours. I further propose that those who wish to take the elevator to the top, sign a release form. In addition, there should be a donation jar to help offset certain costs such as insurance and the maintenance of the elevator.
The Veteran’s Memorial Building Tower is one of Culver City’s most iconic structures. It is to Culver City what the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building is to the City of New York. Would the City of New York close these cherished symbols? Why then should we keep closed one of our most cherished symbols?
If you feel as I do, please contact the members of the City Council at www.culvercity.org and demand that the tower be reopened.
Darryl Cherness
