How the Theme Tower came to be
A painting of the Theme Tower by William L. Pereira Associates, the architecture firm behind the design. Sketch of the Phillips Theme Tower, 1972, p. (Pepperdine University Archives Photograph Collection)
Drama surrounded the construction of Pepperdine's iconic Phillips Theme Tower. From architectural disagreements to county permits to neighbors' objections, the project had significant hurdles to overcome.
Click through the timeline below for the details on Pepperdine's signature work of architecture, from its earliest conception in the mind of architect William Pereira to the legal challenges by neighbors in Malibu that almost put a stop to its construction.
Apr
Pereira finalizes tower design
Apr 1, 1972artsconstruction
May
Kenneth Hahn approves theme tower
May 15, 1972construction
Theme tower's foundation poured
May 17, 1972construction
Theme tower permitted by LA County
May 26, 1972construction
Theme tower's superstructure raised
May 26, 1972construction
Banowsky agrees not to light theme tower
May 31, 1972constructionMalibu
Jun
