Big Tenant Brands L.A.’s Tallest Tower

It has been said that for only a couple of days a year is Los Angeles allowed to be beautiful. But when it is, nothing in the world can match the sight of downtown, free of its veil of smog, scraping the big cumulous clouds and framed by snow-capped mountains. The Library Tower, now the US Bank Tower, is the central image of this stunning diorama, with its pinnacle serving as the literal and figurative crown of the city dedicated to Our Lady, Queen of the Angels. However, US Bank’s decision to place its logo on the crown and alter one of the most visible symbols of L.A. has vastly cheapened our city. When the California sun strikes the US Bank shield, it shines like a cheap, plastic jewel. If Los Angeles is to overcome its reputation as the capital of kitsch, this bit of corporate cheese on the tower should be removed or lowered to a point below the crown.

Brett Padelford

Los Angeles