Los Angeles, a city known for its glamour and entertainment industry, boasts an impressive skyline with modern skyscrapers and iconic buildings. The city’s architectural marvels not only showcase its evolution but also reflect the successful and iconic skyscrapers that have become integral to the Los Angeles skyline. In this article, we will delve into the 15 tallest buildings in Los Angeles, ranked from highest to lowest, revealing the century city’s skyscrapers, their heights, architectural prowess, and some fascinating fun facts.
1. Wilshire Grand Center: The Crown Jewel of Downtown Los Angeles
Height: 1,100 feet (335 m)
The Wilshire Grand Center, the tallest building in Los Angeles, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural prowess. This modern skyscraper, the tallest residential building located in downtown Los Angeles, redefines the city’s skyline with its impressive height of 1,100 feet (335m). The building houses office space, luxury hotels, and ground-floor retail spaces, catering to the city’s diverse needs.
The Wilshire Grand Center’s construction showcases the city’s rigorous engineering standards, as it is built in a major active seismic region. Its unique design, featuring a sail-shaped top with an illuminated spire, makes it a recognizable landmark in Los Angeles.
Fun Fact: The Wilshire Grand Center is not only the tallest building in Los Angeles but also the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.
2. U.S. Bank Tower: The Soaring Symbol of Los Angeles
Height: 1,018 feet (310 m)
Formerly known as the Library Tower, the U.S. Bank Tower stands as the second-tallest building in Los Angeles. This iconic skyscraper, with its distinctive cylindrical design, dominates the downtown Los Angeles skyline. The U.S. Bank Tower offers premium office space, attracting leading businesses and corporations.
Constructed to withstand earthquakes, the U.S. Bank Tower exemplifies the city’s commitment to safety in its modern skyscrapers. The tower’s rooftop offers unparalleled views of the city and hosts popular events, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
Fun Fact: The U.S. Bank Tower was the tallest building in Los Angeles until the completion of the Wilshire Grand Center in 2017.
3. AON Center: A Monument to Los Angeles’ Architectural Ambitions
Height: 858 feet (261 m)
The Aon Center, formerly known as the United California Bank Building, is the third-tallest building in Los Angeles. Its modern design and impressive height of 858 feet (261 meters) make it an integral part of the city’s skyline. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Aon Center houses office spaces for various leading businesses.
The Aon Center’s construction demonstrates Los Angeles’ commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its sleek and minimalistic design, featuring a rectangular bronze-clad exterior, makes it an enduring symbol of the city’s architectural achievements.
Fun Fact: The Aon Center was the tallest building in Los Angeles upon its completion in 1973, a title it held until the construction of the U.S. Bank Tower in 1989.
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4. Two California Plaza: A Testament to Los Angeles’ Architectural Legacy
Height: 750 feet (229 m)
Two California Plaza, part of the California Plaza project, is the fourth tallest building in Los Angeles. Its modern design, featuring glass and steel, adds to the city’s collection of iconic skyscrapers. The building houses premium office spaces, attracting prominent businesses and corporations to its prestigious address.
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Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Two California Plaza offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and the surrounding area. Its unique design, featuring a stepped silhouette, makes it a recognizable landmark in Los Angeles.
Fun Fact: Two California Plaza is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), which occupies the ground floor and features a vast collection of modern art.
5. Gas Company Tower: A Beacon of Modern Design in Los Angeles
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Height: 749 feet (228 m)
The Gas Company Tower, located in downtown Los Angeles, stands as the fifth tallest building in the city. The skyscraper’s modern design, featuring a distinct combination of granite and glass, adds to the city’s collection of successful and iconic skyscrapers. The Gas Company Tower offers premium office space and serves as the headquarters for the Southern California Gas Company.
The Gas Company Tower showcases the city’s commitment to architectural innovation, as its unique design incorporates a flatiron-inspired silhouette. Its position within the Los Angeles skyline makes it a recognizable landmark among the first and twentieth-century city’s skyscrapers.
Fun Fact: The Gas Company Tower was featured in the 1997 film “Liar, Liar,” starring Jim Carrey, as the fictional law firm Fletcher works for is located in the building.
6. Bank of America Plaza: A Towering Presence in Los Angeles
Height: 735 feet (224 m)
The Bank of America Plaza, situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, stands as the sixth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper features an elegant design with its glass curtain wall and distinctive pyramid-shaped crown. The building houses premium office space, attracting leading businesses and corporations.
The Bank of America Plaza’s construction reflects the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 735 feet (224 meters) makes the bank tower an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The Bank of America Plaza was the first tallest building constructed in the United States to use seismic base isolation technology, designed to minimize earthquake damage.
7. City National Tower: A Symbol of Los Angeles’ Financial Power
Height: 699 feet (213 m)
The City National Tower, located in downtown Los Angeles, stands as the seventh tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper’s design features a glass and steel facade, making it a recognizable landmark in the city’s skyline. The City National Tower houses premium office spaces, catering to the needs of various leading businesses and corporations.
The City National Tower’s construction showcases the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 699 feet (213m) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The City National Tower is connected to its sister building, the Paul Hastings Tower, by an elevated walkway known as “The Crystal Bridge.”
8. Paul Hastings Tower: A Shining Example of Los Angeles’ Architectural Prowess
Height: 699 feet (213 m)
The Paul Hastings Tower, situated in downtown Los Angeles, stands as the eighth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper features a sleek glass and steel design, making it an enduring symbol of the city’s architectural achievements. The Paul Hastings Tower houses premium office space, attracting leading businesses and corporations to its prestigious address.
The Paul Hastings Tower’s construction demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 699 feet (213m) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The Paul Hastings Tower and the City National Tower were the first high-rise buildings in California to be built using a “top-down” construction method, where the underground levels were constructed simultaneously with the above-ground levels.
9. 777 Tower: A Modern Marvel in the Heart of Los Angeles City Hall
Height: 725 feet (221 m)
The 777 Tower, located in the bustling downtown area of Los Angeles, stands as the ninth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper showcases a unique design, featuring a series of setbacks and a triangular-shaped crown. The 777 Tower houses premium office spaces, attracting prominent businesses and corporations to its prestigious location.
The 777 Tower’s construction exemplifies the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 725 feet (221 meters) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The 777 Tower has been featured in numerous films, including “Heat” (1995) and “Independence Day” (1996), as well as the popular video game “Grand Theft Auto V.”
10. Wells Fargo Center: A Landmark of Los Angeles’ Financial District
Height: 723 feet (220 m)
The Wells Fargo Center, situated in downtown Los Angeles, stands as the tenth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper features a sleek design with its reflective glass facade and distinctive rooftop crown. The Wells Fargo Center houses premium office spaces and serves as the headquarters for Wells Fargo’s Southern California operations.
The Wells Fargo Center’s construction showcases the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 723 feet (220 meters) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The Wells Fargo Center features a unique outdoor plaza, which houses an ice skating rink during the winter months.
11. Figueroa at Wilshire: A Modern Icon in Los Angeles’ Skyline
Height: 717 feet (218 m)
Figueroa at Wilshire, formerly known as the Sanwa Bank Building, stands as the tallest office building and eleventh tallest building in Los Angeles. Located in downtown Los Angeles, this modern skyscraper features a sleek design with its reflective glass facade and distinctive crown. Figueroa at Wilshire houses premium office spaces, catering to the needs of various leading businesses and corporations.
The construction of Figueroa at Wilshire demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 717 feet (218 meters) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: Figueroa at Wilshire’s unique design includes a series of illuminated LED light panels on its crown, which can be programmed to display various colors and patterns.
12. Century Plaza Tower I: A Symbol of Century City’s Architectural Ambitions
Height: 699 feet (213 m)
The Century Plaza Tower I, located in the prestigious Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles, stands as the twelfth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper features a sleek design with its reflective glass facade and distinctive curved shape. The Century Plaza Tower I houses premium office spaces, attracting leading businesses and corporations to its prestigious address.
The construction of Century Plaza Tower I showcases the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 699 feet (213m) makes the large building boom an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The Century Plaza Towers, which include Tower I and its sister building, Tower II, were designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the original World Trade Center in New York City.
13. Century Plaza Tower II: A Testament to Los Angeles’ Architectural Legacy
Height: 699 feet (213 m)
The Century Plaza Tower II, situated in the heart of Century City, stands as the thirteenth tallest building in Los Angeles. This modern skyscraper showcases a sleek design, featuring a reflective glass facade and a distinctive curved shape. The Century Plaza Tower II houses premium office spaces, attracting top businesses and corporations to its prestigious location.
The construction of Century Plaza Tower II demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 699 feet (213 meters) makes its three towers an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: The Century Plaza Towers, which include Tower II and its sister building, Tower I, were featured in the opening credits of the 1980s television series “L.A. Law.”
14. Millennium Tower I: A Pinnacle of Luxury Living in Los Angeles
Height: 685 feet (209 m)
The Millennium Tower I, located in downtown Los Angeles, stands as the fourteenth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper features a striking design with its glass facade and distinctive crown. The Millennium Tower I serves as one of the ten tallest buildings and residential towers in Los Angeles, offering luxury living spaces with unparalleled views of the city.
The construction of Millennium Tower I showcases the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 685 feet (209 meters) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: Millennium Tower I was designed by the renowned architecture firm Handel Architects, which is also responsible for the design of notable buildings such as the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami and the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago.
15. Millennium Tower II: Soaring Luxury Living in the Heart of Los Angeles
Height: 685 feet (209 m)
The Millennium Tower II, situated in downtown Los Angeles, stands as the fifteenth tallest building in the city. This modern skyscraper showcases a striking design, featuring a glass facade and a distinctive crown. Like its sister building, Millennium Tower I, Millennium Tower II serves as one of the tallest residential towers in Los Angeles, providing luxury living spaces with unparalleled views of the city’s skyline.
The construction of Millennium Tower II exemplifies the city’s commitment to creating successful and iconic skyscrapers. Its impressive height of 685 feet (209 meters) makes it an integral part of the Los Angeles skyline.
Fun Fact: Millennium Tower II shares a host of amenities with its sister building, Millennium Tower I, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor pool and spa, and a private screening room.
In conclusion, Los Angeles is home to a diverse collection of skyscrapers, each with its own unique design and architectural features. From the iconic Wilshire Grand Center to the luxurious residential towers of the Millennium Towers, these buildings contribute to the city’s ever-evolving skyline and showcase its commitment to architectural innovation and excellence.
