Tall & Urban News

Hokkaido Prefecture is facing a growing demolition bill for the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower.

The 100-meter-tall tower was built in 1970 as part of the prefecture’s Centennial Project. The monolithic structure was designed by Ken Iguchi of Kume Sekkei. Construction costs were ¥500 million (US$4.4 million). There was an elevator, but it has been out of service to the general public since the late 1970s. The observation room on the 8th floor has been accessible by several flights of stairs. 

The tower has required far more maintenance and repairs than anticipated, especially due to water leaks and rust. In 1992, 200 million Yen in repairs were carried out. A further ¥350 million (US$3 million) in repairs were required in 1999. The tower’s observation deck has been closed to the public since 2014. 

For more on this story, go to Japan Property Central.