Tramell Tower and Commerce Campus
The Tramell Tower and Commerce Campus is a group of commercial buildings located on Mount Laguna in San Diego County, California, USA. The largest structure is the Tramell Tower, named for the builder Jackson Tramell. Tramell Tower was originally 69 stories (820 ft. / 250 m.) tall, not including the radar domes mounted on the roof. Upon completion in 2042 it was the 5th tallest building in California, USA.
History; Planning and Construction
In 2041, shortly after the end of the Long Recession, the Tramane MEGAcorp announced a partnership with the Western Alliance MEGAcorp whose purpose was to construct a large business complex east of San Diego, USA. The plan was to build a small, compact self supporting city with residential accomodations, businesses, and office space away from the busy city in the middle of a natural setting.
It was thought that this concept would appeal to a great many people and businesses that were tired of the city life.
The architecture of the building was designed to have it blend into the natural setting of mountains and trees
A large transportation tunel was constructed to connect the complex to Interstate 8 and included a high speed rail system with direct service to San Diego.
Location;
The site of the complex was originally used as a part of a network of radar stations on the western seaboard of the United States and named Mount Laguna Air Force Station. In 1981 the Air Force closed the base and turned over control to the Federal Aviation Administration. The function of the station was in many ways reduntant to tasks done by satellites so the radar station was closed as part of the federal budget cuts that began in 2030.
The ridgeline that the complex is built is over 5700 ft. ( m) tall with the peak at 5738 ft. (1749 m.)
Controversies;
Most residents of the region were initially against the plans as they feared it would destroy their quiet way of life. Even though the Tramane MEGAcorp was well within it’s charter to build anything it wanted, compromises were made. The largest concession was in the form of the transportation tunnel that would hide all traffic between the outside world and the remote location of the complex. Improvments to the existing roads and infrastructure of the region were also made as compensation.
Skydeck;
After opening it was announced that top of the main tower would have an observation deck open to the general public. The view offered is described by the vast majority of people that visit as ‘spectacular’. Looking east, the Salton Sea and most of farms in the Imperial are visible as is Mexico to the south. A glimpse westward offers a view of San Diego, USA and the Pacific Ocean at distance of almost 50 miles.
Financial Difficulty, Failure, and Sale;
Although it was a noble concept, the remote location was too far to convince many businesses to relocate. Occupancy never exceeded 50% and local businesses had to be subsidized to maintain the communities infrastructure and population. In 2044 the Western Alliance MEGAcorp announced it was terminating funding for the complex and because of other poor real estate decisions the Tramane MEGAcorp was not able to sustain the financial burden.
The entire complex was put on the market, but with the Long Recession still in everyone’s mind and the prooven failure of the concept, no buyers were found until 2046 when the Sinclare MEGAcorp made an offer. Details of the transaction were kept private, but inside sources indicated that the Sinclare Mc paid pennies on the dollar. In addition to the complex, the Sinclare Mc also acquired several thousand square miles of additional commercial zone previously controlled by the Tramane Mc.
Before the end of the year the Sinclare Mc consolodated all of their company offices at the location.
The Renaming Controversy that Never Arose
Most people assumed that the name of the complex would see the removal of the Tramane name and the addition of the Sinclare name. But upon transfer of ownership the existing sign was left in place with the addition of ‘Home of the Sinclare MEGAcorp’
Axon Sinclare was asked why he kept the name and was quoted as saying; ‘Lot’s of people have asked me why I chose not rename it. It’s because I just thought it was a bit insulting. I know its only existed for several years, but I’ve never liked the idea of changing names, for a boat, a building, whatever. Think about the Sears Tower. That’s not its name anymore, but you’ll find that’s what everyone still calls it. Besides, Jack still has his place on the top floor. He created something good here and I think he deserves to keep his name on it.’
Addition;
Shortly after aquiring the campus an additional ten story structure in the form of an observation tower. The top of the tower was designed as an aerodynamic version of the Seatle, WA, USA Space Needle. The design of the tower base was made as small as possible to preserve the observation deck. The structure at the top of the tower includes residential space for the Sinclare family as well as office space with luxury accomodations on the upper deck that include a pool, tennis court, garden, and a VTOL / Helicopter landing pad. Axon Sinclare is the only member of teh Sinclare family that has made this his permanent residence, even though there is space for multiple families.