The scaffolding has been removed from outside the landmark El Cortez Hotel, and the owners anticipate completion of all construction on May 25.
Still to be done before completion on the restoration project for the 1920s-era hotel is reinstallation of the ornamental arch above the main entrance, said Roger Conlee, a spokesman for the J. Peter Block Cos. of San Diego. The hotel at 702 Ash St. is being converted into apartments.
In the interior, dry walling was finished recently and painting is almost complete, Conlee said. Workers are now installing landscaping around the property and ceramic tile in the lobby and around the pool terrace, he added.
