Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight on OUE Skyspace LA and US Bank Tower Lobby, as featured in Los Angeles Business Journal.
Over the last 10 years, the city’s once-overlooked Downtown area has welcomed a host of new developments, everything from trendy hotels, to renovated theaters and revamped iconic buildings. This has heralded a new Golden Age for Downtown Los Angeles, which is undeniably becoming a top tourist destination and a vibrant commercial hub.
In the heart of it all, is the US Bank Tower, dubbed the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Built in 1989, the iconic building has captured the attention of tourists from around the globe. In 2013, Singapore real estate developer OUE Limited acquired the building and spearheaded a massive renovation effort that included the group floor lobby and development of OUE Skyspace LA.
“As Los Angeles continues to see an influx of tourists to downtown, the travel and tourism industries will be critical in fueling the region’s growth,” said Peter K. Johnston of OUE. “We’re excited to fuel the fire and do our part to help revitalize the region.”
Opened in the summer of 2016, OUE Skyspace LA is California’s tallest open-air observation deck and the only destination for panoramic, 360-degree views from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and everything in between. The OUE Skyspace LA experience begins on the second floor entrance located off the historic Bunker Hill Steps, where visitors embark on their journey to the top of the building. Guests are guided through a multi-dimensional adventure on the 54th floor where they can experience an array of interactive technology, including a 360-degree time lapse of the spectacular Los Angeles skyline, a jaw dropping infinity mirror that simulates the view from 54 floors above, and a unique silhouette wall that uses pixels to create reflective images based on body movement. The Journey continues up to the 70th floor, where visitors can ride the world’s first ever Skyslide. Located 1,000 feet above the ground, the 45-foot long outdoor glass-encased slide extends from the 70th to 69th floor and is truly a must-do for any thrill seeker. From the two outdoor observation terraces on the 69th floor, visitors can experience Los Angeles from an entirely new and breathtaking vantage point.
In addition to OUE Skyspace LA, the US Bank Tower lobby has also undergone extensive renovations. The enlivened streetscape creates a pronounced and welcoming entry on Fifth Street. To create a more spacious and bright environment for tenants and the public, the former exterior of the building has been replaced with a transparent glass curtainwall. Among the many additions, the most significant is a vast digital art wall, the largest of its kind in an office building in the country, composed of bright LED tiles that span across the entire lobby, allowing visitors to view the vibrant display from street level. Additional enhancements include a radiant floor cooling system and unique teardrop shaped stone column covers.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of the Southern California business community. As Angelenos continue to flock to Downtown whether for work or fun, interest in the Downtown region will continue to rise and we can expect to see many more exciting new developments in the coming years.