Key to the program's success was Coordinator Bryant's predictions of economic growth. The first of its kind, a space elevator ("beanstalk") would put Angelus firmly in place to reap considerable economic rewards in the form of terrestrial tariffs on space-going goods while remaining cheaper and more efficient than other means of achieving orbit. In addition, the opportunity to conduct zero-gravity construction on a large scale on the top end of the beanstalk would provide Angelus with a much-needed shot in the arm for industrial capacity.
The main sticking point, however, is that once the base station was completed, Angelus would be required to maneuver down to the equator—a significant shift in climate would then ensue. Public opinion was equally split between those who favored the move and those who resisted it. Some opposition groups campaigned on a 'old home' platform emphasizing Angelus' ties to vanished California. Plans remain in place to move the city south upon the completion of the base station, due in 2128.
Construction on the base tower began in 2120 as the Spiras Corporation finalized their bid and set up shop in Sigma Sector. Vast swathes of the city center were torn down and relocated to make room as the ziggurat-like tower began to take shape. By 2123, the Spiras tower is a vast, towering finger pointing demandingly at the sky that can be seen from nearly any corner of the city. Any visit to Sigma sector confronts the senses with construction workers and equipment seemingly everywhere. Accidents and injuries have been depressingly common in the sector over the last three years, but the work continues unabated due to excellent hiring packages offered by Spiras for talented workers.
Spiras has drawn fire for refusing to hire citizens of the Clade Nation. "The Spiras Corporation serves the city-state of Angelus and will accept any qualified applicants who are Angelus Citizens." Alan Reynolds, the corporate spokesperson for Angelus, responded to these allegations. "However, Spiras has no obligation to subsidize any specific racial group regardless of geographical location. If clades want to work for us, fine. Get your Angelus citizenship and sign a contract."