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We've been hearing about plans to add an observation deck to downtown's tallest building for a while, and now we're finally getting at what the tourist destination will look like.
Newly unveiled renderings of renovations planned for the 72-story U.S. Bank Tower, reveal what the new observation deck, outdoor bar, restaurant and other glitzy improvements will look like. The $50 million facelift will offer killer 360-degree views of downtown Los Angeles—and beyond—from spiffy indoor and outdoor viewing areas on the 69th and 70th floors, according to the L.A. Times. The biggest highlight of the space will be the 1000-foot high open-air observation deck, which when completed by design firm Gensler in 2016 will be the highest in California. (That is, at least, until the Wilshire Grand one-ups them in 2017.) The designs show lots of gold and what looks like it could be marble, so be prepared to "ooh" and "ahh" a lot. The tower's new owner, Singapore-based Overseas Union Enterprises—who bought the building in 2013—have dubbed the two-story attraction, "OUE Skyspace LA."
A sky-high bar at Skyspace (Photo courtesy OUE Limited)
The staircase connecting the two-story Skyspace (Photo courtesy OUE Limited)
The two floors of the Skyspace will be connected by an interior staircase, and feature "multiple interactive technology exhibits," in case the view isn't enough. There will, of course, be a gift shop for all of your souvenir-hoarding needs. There will also be a special event space for rent, so start planning your next birthday party now. A new restaurant is planned for the 71st floor, which will likely have similarly stunning views, though designs of that space have not yet been released.
Interactive exhibitions at Skyspace (Photos courtesy OUE Limited)
The Skyspace will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight and a visit to the sky high vantage point will set you back $25 per person. Though, to be fair, as the L.A. Times points out, standard admission at New York's One World Trade Center is $32 and the view from the Willis Tower in Chicago costs $19 or $54 for expedited VIP entry. So, we're in the same ballpark as other soaring views.
A rendering of the new lobby for OUE Skyspace (Photo courtesy of OUE Limited)
Far below the Skyspace, the ground floor of the U.S. Bank Tower will also receive plenty of upgrades, including an improved façade along Fifth Street, a renovated entrance on Hope Place, a new second floor entrance for reaching the Skyspace, as well as upgraded elevators to handle the mobs clamoring to see the view. There will also be a massive 126 by 17 foot "digital art wall" aka video screen, running along a wall of the lobby to entice you for a visit next year.
The massive LED wall planned for the lobby (Photo courtesy of OUE Limited)
