The commercial building of the late 50s and early 60s drew banking and businesses to downtown. High-rise buildings began to dapple the skyline and make Downtown Los Angeles the center of commerce and industry.

It was in 1958 when Union 76 built its offices on Beaudry Avenue and is now the headquarters of Los Angeles Center Studios. Building continued with Union Bank Plaza at 4th and Figueroa in 1967 and Crocker Bank constructing its 42-story building on 6th Street in 1969. The buildings continued to grow taller when First Interstate Bank constructed a 62-story office tower on 7th and Wilshire that was the tallest building in downtown until 1974. Now home to Aon Center, it was outsized by the Library Tower in 1990. Today skyscrapers fill the 64-block area of the Downtown Center. Library Tower, now the US Bank Tower, is still the tallest building west of the Mississippi and soars 72-stories high.

High-rises continued to be built through the 70s. Bank of America Plaza at 3rd and Hope stands 55-stories high and was completed in 1975. Arco Towers on 5th and Flower streets was completed in 1972 and has a fountain and Herbert Beyer sculpture on the plaza between the two huge granite buildings. Citigroup Center at 4th and Flower rises 44-stories and was completed in 1985 and the Gas Company's 50-story tower at 5th and Flower was completed in 1991.

Buildings with a past

Although these architectural masterpieces are awe-inspiring, they cannot overshadow the beautiful designs built in the early 1900s that still stand today. The Fine Arts Building at 7th and Flower streets was completed in 1925 and has an ornate entrance hall and intricate Romanesque details. The Oviatt Building at 6th and Olive streets opened in 1928 with 12-stories of opulent Art Deco architecture and a lavish Rene Lalique crafted exterior marquee. The lobby level of the Oviatt can still be enjoyed by visitors coming to dine at Cicada Restaurant. One Bunker Hill, originally known as the Southern California Edison Company Building, was constructed in 1934 and was considered an engineering marvel with its earthquake-proof design.

7+FIG

Located at 7th and Figuerora streets, the tri-level 7+FIG houses an array of eateries and specialty shops such as Ann Taylor, Godiva, and Robinsons May. Diners can experience exceptional cuisine at Arnie Morton's Steakhouse or California Pizza Kitchen's endless selection of pizza, pasta and salads.

Macy's Plaza

Macy's Plaza located at 7th and Flower streets has national and local retailers including Casual Corner, Macy's Department Store and Bally Total Fitness. Patrons can eat at the eclectic food court and enjoy seasonal entertainment and events in the main lobby of the Plaza.

Restaurant Choices

Downtown LA is home to a great selection of fine dining restaurants offering options to please the most discriminating palate. Ciudad located at 5th and Figueroa, offers the flavors and aromas of Latin America. Engine Co. No. 28 located at 644 S. Figueroa is a real 1912 firehouse with its original tin ceilings and firehouse pole serving American comfort food. Water Grill prepares some of the best seafood in Southern California and is located on the lobby level of Downtown's beloved Pacific Center on Grand Ave.

Visit www.downtownla.com for more information.