New architectural plans have been drawn up for a metal building that will house Sunroad Enterprises' office tower in San Diego.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, a picture is emerging of how the controversial tower will be lowered 20 feet to comply with FAA safety standards.

To meet the 160-foot limit imposed by the FAA, Sunroad will demolish a utility room on the roof, then remove the entire top floor of the steel frame building, which stands 12-stories.

The deconstruction isn't nearly the colossal task it appears, said Ken Walsh, director of San Diego State University's construction engineering program, calling it a logistical headache, not an engineering feat.

“The deconstruction isn't rocket science,” he said. “Technically it isn't very challenging. It's almost construction work in reverse.

When finished, the commercial steel building will look pretty much as originally designed. This is because the company decided to save the flying bridge, its architectural and visual signature.

Crews will dismantle the bridge, but after the 12th floor is removed, the wing will be hauled back up and re-attached.

The situation is unique, as rarely is deconstruction work of this scale called for. The work on the metal building is expected to be finished by mid-November. Reconstruction will begin then, with completion expected in early 2008.

The metal building originally was scheduled to open earlier this year, but concerns over its height and safety prompted the review.

The FAA notified the company last year that the steel building would be a hazard to planes landing in bad weather if it exceeded 160 feet. Sunroad proceeded as planned, though, violating the FAA safety standards, saying San Diego granted its permits for a 180-foot building.