Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s air traffic control tower began operating in 1962. A Fresno Bee story from that year noted its “strict, simple” lines and “modern American” materials — hallmarks of international-style architecture under the vision of Fresno-based Chinese American architect Allen Lew.
Now the city aims to tear down the tower and build another one nearby.
Project leaders dismissed the existing tower as inefficient and not meeting current safety standards, and its preliminary environmental assessment ruled out the possibility of keeping the building intact. Yet the Fresno Historic Preservation Commission has challenged the demolition plans, heralding the tower as a historical artifact and asking the city to reconsider its plans…