Earthquake upgrades to one of LA's tallest buildings estimated at $297 million

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Gas Company Tower is a modern architectural landmark and an iconic part of the Los Angeles skyline.

It's also one of the city's tallest buildings at risk of substantial damage in a major quake. It's a major concern for L.A. County, which bought the 52-story skyscraper last year to house numerous departments.

The county is now awaiting seismic analysis as it considers the costs of retrofitting the high-rise to current top level earthquake standards. It's estimated at around $297 million.

The county CEO says the Gas Company Tower currently meets all city and county seismic codes.

"Yes, the cost is high, but it's also important to understand how much is it going to cost us to do repairs after an earthquake," said Maria Mohammed, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California.

Mohammed said retrofitting the skyscraper, which was built in 1991 with what's called a steel moment frame, is needed.

During the devastating 6.7-magnitude Northridge earthquake, several buildings constructed using steel moment frames suffered extensive damage.

With fears growing with each passing year that the big one could hit soon, many worry it could cost the county even more money in the long-run if the high rise isn't retrofit to withstand the shaking, especially since it will be housing vital county offices.

"For essential buildings, when we retrofit them, we retrofit them so that not only do they not collapse during the earthquake, but they can also be reoccupied and stay operational after the earthquake," Mohammed said.

It's unclear when the seismic report will be finished or when the county will decide on retrofitting the building.