A building that once was the tallest structure in Sparks for nearly a decade is undergoing a facelift that will include addition of murals on three sides of the structure.
The Pyramid Towers building at 1001 Pyramid Way is home to Sparks Florist and XCentrix Hair Salon.
The mural-painting by artist Mark Switlik is expected to be complete in late spring. Completion of each panel of the mural is expected to take 160 to 180 hours.
When the Pyramid Towers building was completed in 1974, it was the tallest building in Sparks. It held that spot until completion of the first tower at John Ascuaga's Nugget in 1982.
At the time, the building was considered once of the most innovative in the region. With a construction schedule that had begun in 1972, it was completed on time and within budget. Its original tenants included the Dr. Frank Stokes Medical Group and Sparks Florist.
It's owned today by the owners of Sparks Florist, Tony and Michael Fiannaca. Tony Fiannaca purchased it in 1988.
Switlik, who's worked as a painter for 27 years, is the designer as well as the painter of the murals.
He's completed projects for clients such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phoenix Suns, as well as locally for the Grand Sierra Resort.
As a fine artist, his work is on display at Ryries Art and Home Gallery and the Wildflower Art Gallery.
