Overview
The tallest building west of the Mississippi River stands in California, and serves as an iconic symbol of the city. It is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and is the tallest building in the city. It is also the third-tallest in the entire western United States. This impressive building stands at 1,100 feet and is home to hundreds of businesses and over 5,000 residential units. The building was designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli and features a signature roof design made of five wings that appear to be in flight. It is a stunning architectural feat, and one that boasts amazing views of the city.
Location & History
The tallest building west of the Mississippi stands at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street in Los Angeles. It was originally built in 1974 and was known as the Library Tower. It was later acquired by the South Korean firm Daewoo Engineering and Construction, who renamed it the Wilshire Grand Center in 2013. The building is currently owned and operated by Korean Air. It stands at the heart of the city’s downtown skyline and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area.
Design & Features
The building was designed by architect Cesar Pelli with a distinctive roof that was made to resemble five wings in flight. This design was chosen as an homage to the US military, who use the wings emblem in their insignia. The building is sheathed in a glass and steel façade, and features a curved profile that gives it an impressive presence. It has two floors dedicated to retail and a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled views of the city. On the upper floors are executive offices, and the building’s centerpiece is the top floor, which features a luxurious restaurant and a sky deck for observed views of the city. The building also features a state-of-the-art LED lighting system and a wall of digital displays that give it a unique nighttime presence.
Impact
The Wilshire Grand Center stands as a symbol of Los Angeles, and is an impressive feat of engineering and design. The building reshaped the downtown skyline and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. As the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, it serves as a beacon and a reminder of the city’s grandeur and ambition. It was a landmark development that has given the city a renewed energy and helped to keep the city motivated to achieve even greater heights.
Notable Facts
The Wilshire Grand Center is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, standing at a height of 1,100 feet. It is also the tallest building in California, the tenth tallest building in the US, and the third tallest in the western United States. The building features a signature roof design made up of five wings, which symbolize the US military insignia. It has been featured in films and TV shows, and it is also a symbol of the city’s ambition and potential.
Energy Use
The Wilshire Grand Center is a highly energy efficient building and was recently awarded LEED Gold certification by the US Green Buildings Council. The building features a state-of-the-art LED lighting system that reduces energy consumption and is powered by a combination of wind turbines and photovoltaic cells. The building also utilizes a variety of energy-saving technologies, such as motion sensors that turn off lights when there is no activity in a space, and low-flow fixtures that reduce water use.
Economic Impact
The Wilshire Grand Center is a major economic engine for the state of California, and has helped to revive the downtown Los Angeles economy. The building is estimated to have increased property values in the area by more than $2 billion. It is also estimated to generate more than $30 million in new development taxes for the city each year. The building is also a major job creator, with more than 2,000 construction jobs created during its construction and thousands more since its completion.
Construction & Cost
The construction of the Wilshire Grand Center began in 2013 and was completed in 2017. The building was designed by noted architect Cesar Pelli, and cost an estimated $1.2 billion to build. Construction took place in three major phases, beginning with the demolition of the old building and followed by the construction of the new one. The building was constructed using an innovative modular system and was able to reach its full height of 1,100 feet in less than three years.
Safety & Security
The Wilshire Grand Center has a comprehensive security system that was designed to protect both its occupants and the public. The building is equipped with motion sensors that activate when activity is detected and an extensive video surveillance system. The building is also home to a sophisticated fire suppression system and features reinforced steel walls for added protection.
Public Perception
The Wilshire Grand Center stands as an iconic symbol of Los Angeles, and has been featured in films and TV shows, including CSI. It has also been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, who have praised the building’s iconic design and vibrant energy. Angelenos and visitors alike have flocked to the building to experience its spectacular views and see firsthand its beauty and grandeur.
