The newest skyscraper rising in London, the 48-story Leadenhall Building, will be the second-tallest office building in the city's financial district when completed next year. The tower's size as well as the tapered-glass design—which some say resembles a box-style cheese grater—have drawn praise throughout Britain.

Yet, by some international standards, the Leadenhall, which is a joint venture between developers British Land Co. and Canada's Oxford Properties, could be considered run-of-the-mill.

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