[PHOTOS] Capital One Tower In Lake Charles Finally Getting A Facelift

Construction is underway at the Capital One Tower in Lake Charles, and it's a sight for sore eyes.

Equipment and materials are being staged all around the building and construction teams are hard at work.

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Being the tallest building in downtown Lake Charles, it's the first building people traveling over the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge notice when they get their first glimpse of The Chuck. It's been a sight for sore eyes since Hurricane Laura ravaged SWLA over two years ago. Before that, it was a beacon to travelers to let them know they've reached their destination.

Some speculate that a tornado so severely damaged the building during Hurricane Laura's landfall. Others say the windows on the side of the building weren't rated to withstand the power of Hurricane Laura's winds.

It's exciting to see such an iconic building in downtown Lake Charles finally getting the TLC it deserves.

The Hertz Investment Group (HIG), the owner of the 41-year-old building, says the renovation will cost over $150 million. The tower was built in 1981 and is 22 stories tall.

Just like most residents in SWLA, HIG had to bring their insurance company to court to receive "full and fair payment" for the repairs of the building.

Our radio studios are in the path of the new bridge that eventually replaces the current I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. We've talked in the past about how cool it would be to have our studios in the Capital One Tower.  I would imagine these new repairs will be better equipped to sustain major hurricane winds. It might be time to revisit that conversation.