How Many Skyscrapers Are in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, the number of skyscrapers are about 30 skyscrapers.
But, there are some distinctions so read on to find out more.
Los Angeles, a city synonymous with sprawling neighborhoods and palm-lined boulevards, also boasts an impressive skyline dotted with skyscrapers. The answer to this question depends on how you define a “skyscraper,” but here’s a detailed breakdown based on height thresholds, historical context, and future developments.
Defining a Skyscraper
While definitions vary, skyscrapers are generally categorized as buildings exceeding 150 meters (492 feet) or 40 floors. However, Los Angeles has unique zoning history and architectural trends that shape its skyline. Let’s dive into the numbers:
Completed Skyscrapers in Los Angeles
- Buildings Over 1,000 Feet (305+ Meters):
- 2 supertalls: The Wilshire Grand Center (1,100 ft / 335 m) and the U.S. Bank Tower (1,018 ft / 310 m) dominate the skyline. These are the only two structures in LA exceeding 1,000 feet.
- Buildings Over 600 Feet (183+ Meters):
- 21 skyscrapers: This includes iconic towers like the Aon Center (858 ft), Two California Plaza (750 ft), and the Gas Company Tower (749 ft).
- Buildings Over 400 Feet (122+ Meters):
- 56 structures: Examples include the Bank of America Plaza (735 ft) and Wells Fargo Tower (723 ft).
- High-Rises Over 100 Feet (30+ Meters):
- 816 buildings: Most are low-to-mid-rise apartments, but this figure highlights LA’s density.
Los Angeles vs. Other U.S. Cities
- LA ranks 5th in the U.S. for skyscrapers, trailing New York, Chicago, Miami, and Houston.
- It’s the tallest city on the U.S. West Coast, with the Wilshire Grand holding the title of tallest building west of the Mississippi.
Historical Context
- Early Restrictions: From 1904 to 1957, LA imposed a 150-foot height limit to curb congestion. Exceptions included City Hall (454 ft), completed in 1928.
- Post-1957 Boom: After lifting restrictions downtown, the city saw a surge in skyscraper construction, including the U.S. Bank Tower (1989) and Aon Center (1973).
Skyscraper Hotspots
Los Angeles’ skyscrapers cluster in key areas:
- Downtown LA (DTLA): Home to 17 of the city’s 30 tallest buildings, including the Wilshire Grand and U.S. Bank Tower.
- Century City: Features twin 600-foot residential towers (2021) and the iconic Century Plaza Towers.
- Wilshire Corridor: A stretch of high-rises often mistaken for downtown by visitors.
Future Skyscrapers to Watch
- The Bloc Tower (710 ft): A 53-story residential tower proposed atop a parking garage in DTLA, set for completion by 2030.
- Oceanwide Plaza (677 ft): A stalled $1 billion project with three towers, now in bankruptcy proceedings but likely to resume.
- Olympic & Hill Onni Tower (760 ft): Under construction and set to become LA’s tallest residential building by 2025.
- 1045 South Olive Street (810 ft): Approved in 2021, this 70-story tower will be the tallest residential skyscraper in LA upon completion.
Why So Few Supertalls?
- Seismic Risks: LA’s strict engineering standards make supertall construction costly and complex.
- Zoning Laws: Height limits outside downtown and community pushback against density have historically limited vertical growth.
Key Takeaways
- Completed Skyscrapers: 56 buildings over 400 feet, 21 over 600 feet, and 2 supertalls.
- Growing Skyline: Over a dozen towers are proposed or under construction, signaling a shift toward vertical urbanism.
- Unique Identity: LA’s skyline blends historic Art Deco landmarks with sleek modern designs, reflecting its dynamic evolution.
For architecture enthusiasts, downtown walking tours or visits to observation decks like the OUE Skyspace (U.S. Bank Tower) offer stunning views of this ever-changing cityscape. Stay tuned to inLA.co for updates on LA’s skyline transformations!