The 1980’s saw significant expansion into real estate for Life of Jamaica with several business, residential and tourism related development projects. In 1980 LOJ acquired 62% of the Jamaica Citizens Bank and purchased 20 acres of prime land in New Kingston. Additionally, in 1983 the construction of The Towers started, a twin of ten and twelve-storey buildings, located opposite the drive-in cinema on Dominica Drive. Additionally, LOJ acquired the 238-room Jamaica Jamaica Hotel in Runaway Bay, St. Ann in 1989 at a cost of US$16 million ( $J88 Mllion).
