

The 1950s-era Wilshire Grand hotel has been completely demolished and construction on its 73-story office/hotel/retail skyscraper replacement has begun (see last photo). Now we have new renderings (via broker/blogger Brigham Yen) of the tower by architect AC Martin—these have not yet been approved by developer Korean Air—including many of the seventieth-floor sky lobby, to which guests will shoot up in an express elevator before checking into their rooms (very Lost in Translation). The renderings show a spire that can change color to reflect holidays and observances, and a rooftop pool that will be the highest on the West Coast (an "outdoor living room" is also planned). The hotel will be four stars and have 900 rooms, run by an operator to be announced soon—choices have narrowed down to two; rumors indicate it'll be a Grand Hyatt or a Waldorf-Astoria (!!). The tower should open in early 2017.

· Exclusive: New Renderings Revealed of "Hotel X" at Wilshire Grand Tower in Downtown LA [BY]

· Wilshire Grand [Curbed LA]