The castle has been renovated many times since its original construction. This picture shows its 1999 appearance.
| This is
the original Norman keep. This is the oldest building in LEGO
city. Construction actually dates back to around 1985 (see older
Christmas pictures).
The castle has been renovated many times since its original construction. This picture shows its 1999 appearance. |
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This is
the most recent and final shot of the castle. As one can see, the
appearance has been drastically altered. The castle was purchased by the Cutie Corporation with the intent of turning it into another themed office building (similar to the Bu Ra Do complex). However, the existing Romanesque style was seen as too heavy and the castle seemed too short as compared to the other high buildings in the city. Cutie insisted that the height of the building be extended by 2 stories and that a more jovial architectural style be employed. Engineers were not particularly happy with this edict. The existing, stone super structure was already too heavy for the lower sections of the castle. It was feared that the downward weight of the tower would push the walls out and cause an implosion. The solution was to renovate the castle in a Gothic Rayonette style. Flying buttresses were added around the perimeter of the tower. This, in combination with extensive, internal strengthening (with unseen Technic beams), allowed the tower to soar to a height of 14 stories. Additional decoration was added including a stained glass window (on the 2nd story of the dark gray part of the tower). The Cutie Corporation now uses the building as an executive retreat and client schmoozing location. Prospective clients and executives dress up in Medieval garb and "bond" while taking part in jousting tournaments, sword fights, mock sieges, feasts, and other such entertainment. |
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