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U.S. Bank Tower (Los Angeles)

From Alfawiki
U.S. Bank Tower
Company typeCommercial office skyscraper
IndustryReal estate, Commercial office
Founded1989; 37 years ago (1989)
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
Key people
Larry Silverstein (owner as of 2020)
ProductsOffice space, Observation deck (formerly)
OwnerSilverstein Properties (as of 2020)
Websitewww.usbanktower.com

U.S. Bank Tower, previously referred to as the Library Tower and formerly known as the First Interstate Bank World Center, is a prominent skyscraper situated in downtown Los Angeles, California. It stands as the third tallest structure in California based on architectural height, ranks second in Los Angeles, is the 24th tallest across the United States, and holds the 129th position globally, trailing behind the Wilshire Grand Center. Remarkably, it exceeds both the Salesforce Tower and Wilshire Grand Center in terms of roof elevation, making it the sole building in California with a rooftop height surpassing .

In compliance with local regulations requiring helipads on tall buildings, this tower maintained its status as the tallest building worldwide featuring a rooftop heliport from its completion in 1989 until 2010. Engineered to endure seismic events up to magnitude 8.3 on the Richter scale, it is recognized as the third tallest high-rise located within a significant seismic risk zone.

Constructed over a two-year period from 1987 to 1989 with an investment of $350 million, the tower comprises 73 floors above ground along with two subterranean parking levels. The design was crafted by Henry N. Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and it continues to be one of Los Angeles’ most iconic commercial office landmarks, frequently showcased in media establishing shots symbolizing the city.

Ownership

In 2013, OUE Ltd (OUE), a diversified real estate firm publicly traded in Singapore and led by Indonesian billionaire Stephen Riady, acquired U.S. Bank Tower for $367.5 million. This transaction encompassed the 72-story office tower, the adjacent Maguire Gardens park, and an accompanying parking facility from MPG Office Trust Inc.

On July 20, 2020, Silverstein Properties’ Larry Silverstein—known for his role in developing the World Trade Center—purchased the tower for roughly $430 million, finalizing the acquisition by late September. After investing $60 million into renovations, Silverstein Properties hosted a grand reopening in April 2023 that showcased a redesigned lobby, expanded dining options, adaptable work environments, and tenant-centric enhancements including an art installation.

History

The building was initially called Library Tower due to its proximity to the Los Angeles Central Library redevelopment zone—a $1 billion revitalization effort following two major fires at the library. Part of its development financing came through the City of Los Angeles selling air rights. It was briefly named First Interstate Bank World Center before First Interstate Bancorp merged with Wells Fargo. In March 2003, U.S. Bancorp leased the property and rebranded it as U.S. Bank Tower.

A defining feature of the tower is its large illuminated glass crown atop the structure. In 2004, two 23-meter “U.S. Bank” logo signs were mounted on this crown, generating debate over their visual impact on the building’s appearance—echoing earlier signage disputes that occurred between 1990 and 1998.

Terrorism-related threats

The 9/11 Commission disclosed on June 16, 2004, that the initial scheme for the September 11 attacks involved hijacking ten aircraft, with one designated to be flown into the tower.

On October 6, 2005, authorities announced a disrupted second conspiracy from mid-2002 aimed at crashing a plane into the skyscraper. During his 2007 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush affirmed that U.S. counterterrorism agencies had prevented an attack targeting the building. According to Bush, Al-Qaeda operative Khaled Sheikh Mohammed intended to enlist Asian associates affiliated with Jemaah Islamiyah, recruited by militant Hambali, to carry out the hijacking using shoe bombs to gain cockpit access. However, some analysts questioned whether this plan was fully formed or feasible.

OUE Skyspace

In July 2014, OUE Ltd., the new proprietor, unveiled plans to develop an observation platform called OUE Skyspace on the 69th and 70th levels, accompanied by a dining venue named 71Above on the 71st floor. The $31 million initiative launched on June 24, 2016, featuring a renovated lobby at ground level, a dedicated entrance for visitors, and an exhibition space on the 54th floor. Tickets were priced at $25 each, with an optional $8 charge for access to the Skyslide—a transparent glass slide connecting floors 70 and 69.

OUE Skyspace temporarily ceased operations in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was permanently closed in October 2020. In May 2021, new ownership revealed intentions to repurpose the observation deck back into office areas and remove the slide following complaints from tenants.

Silverstein Properties

By 2021, with approximately 78% occupancy, Silverstein Properties—a New York-based developer—announced plans to transform the former tourist attraction into office and collaborative spaces designed to appeal to tenants. The restaurant 71Above will continue operating, while the 54th floor—serving as an elevator transfer point—will be converted into a co-working lounge offering workstations, dining options, and a catering kitchen for events.

Consulting firms

Economic development organizations

Engineering companies

Financial institutions

Legal firms

Media companies

Record for highest rooftop helipad

Until 2010, the US Bank Tower held the distinction of having the world's highest rooftop helipad until it was surpassed by Beijing's China World Trade Center Tower III, which features a helipad at 1,083 feet (330 m).

As of March 2018, the tallest building equipped with a rooftop helipad was the Guangzhou International Finance Center, completed in 2010, boasting a helipad situated at 1,439 feet (439 m).

In popular culture

In 1994, the structure was showcased on the television program Visiting... with Huell Howser.[1]

This tower has been featured in multiple disaster movies such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, D-War, 2012, and San Andreas.[2]

Within the gaming world, it is represented as the fictional "Maze Bank Tower" in the well-known Grand Theft Auto series, particularly in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which are set in the fictional city of Los Santos, a stand-in for Los Angeles.

The building also makes an appearance in the 2023 video game Starfield.

See also

External links

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