Wilshire Grand

With an expected completion in early 2017, the new Wilshire Grand high-rise in Los Angeles will contain approximately 365,000 RSF of office space across 18 floors. Rendering: AC Martin

Workers at the Wilshire Grand Center placed the tower’s final piece of concrete and steel core this morning, marking a major milestone in the construction of the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Ironworkers used a crane to lift a steel beam onto the building’s roof.

The concrete core now stands 826 feet tall and will reach 1,099 feet when the rooftop spire is placed in September. The $1 billion project began with a record-breaking concrete mat pour in February 2014 and is on track for completion in early 2017.

The beam that was placed this morning was signed by the project’s 800 workers, as well as local leaders and dignitaries, including representatives from Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office. Councilmember José Huizar, whose district includes the Wilshire Grand Center, commended the building’s progress.

“This iconic building will have an astounding impact on our local economy, and represents a billion dollar investment in the City of Los Angeles” said Councilmember Huizar. “The Wilshire Grand Center is already beginning to redefine what it means to work, live and stay in Downtown Los Angeles.”

Over the next few months, the number of workers onsite on any given day will increase from about 800 to nearly 1,000, many of whom live in Los Angeles County.

“We are proud to be working with each of the subcontractors and individuals who are helping to bring this building to life,” said Brendan Murphy, Vice President at Turner Construction. “We have come a long way in the construction of one of the most iconic buildings in Southern California, and we’re one step closer to delivering the final product.”

The Wilshire Grand Center stands 73 stories tall and is approximately 60 percent complete.