Another big advantage of new construction

Sims wants tower to replace King County's "ugly" building.

Because the building's mechanical systems need replacement and because any remodeling would entail removal of hazardous asbestos, Brown said, "The cost is astronomical for any kind of remodeling."

And new construction (on the same site, requiring complete demolition of the existing structure) does not require asbestos abatement? Not. It does. It is usually somewhat cheaper to remove asbestos in anticipation of demolition, because one doesn't have to be so careful to save other building elements. But in many cases it is perfectly acceptable to "encapsulate" the asbestos and leave it in place, which of course you cannot do in abatement in anticipation of new construction. Sheesh.