The local government in Jerez, Spain has issued approval for work to start on renovating the Tío Pepe Tower. Authorization has been given to the first of three project phases, which has a total budget of around €325,000 (US$371,036). The first phase will mainly consist of improving structural reinforcement on the tower, which was built in 1985.  
 
The project’s new design was selected via contest and the popular vote was convened by a public transportation company, and the firm González Byass. The winning proposal, called Xerez-Jerez-Sherry and inputted to by architects Tomás Osborne Ruiz and Carlos Oliva Garrido, proposes the installation of an enveloping structure with glass panels with varying colors that recall the different types of wines native to Jerez. The iconic Tío Pepe bottle located on the building’s crown will remain, as the winery firm maintains rights to this lookout along its main route.   
 
The 22-meter Tío Pepe Tower was built three decades ago. In addition to serving as a control tower and telecommunications area, its floors have been lauded as prime VIP-viewing locations for sponsors during large events held in its facilities. However, it fell out of use at the beginning of the last decade when the pit area was reformed.   
 
For more on this story, go to Diario De Jerez and Cadena Ser.