Crane Action at the Wilshire Grand Site

Passers by may have noticed the recent addition of a mobile crane to the massive Wilshire Grand construction site.  Perhaps Turner Construction is about to install a larger stationary crane?  Or maybe it has something to do with tomorrow's "bottoming out," ceremony.  Crews have now excavated the site down to 106 feet below street level, capping off a demolition process which began late in 2012.  Soon afterwards, the Wilshire Grand begins a three year climb to its 1,100 foot apex.  When opened in 2017, the tower will contain 900 hotel rooms and 400,000 square feet of office space within 73 stories.  No need to mention the 70th floor lobby and the rooftop pool/observation deck.  Can it please be 2017 already?

• Wilshire Grand "Construction" Update (Building Los Angeles)
• Wilshire Grand Project to Hit Bottom (Downtown LA News)

Zara Setting Up Shop at Figat7th

Walking down Figueroa this afternoon, it was impossible to miss the large wooden barriers that have gone up at Figat7th.  Spanish retailer Zara signed a 10 year lease for 27,000 square feet of ground floor space in the shopping center earlier this year.  With the store scheduled to open in Spring of 2014, it looks like Zara has gotten the ball rolling on building out its new location.

• Fashion Retailer Zara to Open Downtown LA Store (LA Times)

Wilshire Grand "Construction" Update

I use the word "construction," liberally, since it's just excavation at this point in the process.

The Wilshire Grand site, today.

But starting in November of this year, concrete begins filling the massive dirt pit.  In April of 2014, the steel framework of the Wilshire Grand begins its three year ascent to the peak of the Los Angeles skyline.   In August of 2015, the tower is expected to reach its 1,100 foot apex above the corner of Wilshire and Figueroa.  In January of 2017, you can enjoy dinner at a restaurant on the 70th floor of the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.