755 Figueroa | 50 fl | Pro

[Westsidelife]

Location: 7th Street and Figueroa Street
Function: Commercial | 1,000,000 SF Office
Developer: Maguire Properties (http://www.maguireproperties.com/)
Architect: Keating | Khang Architecture (http://www.keatingkhang.com/)
Completion: N/A

Maguire Office Tower

Maguire Properties is talking with several potential tenants of a proposed 50-story building, but no deals have been announced, and a groundbreaking will not occur until the high-rise is 40% to 50% pre-leased, said the company's Peggy Moretti. The building at Seventh and Figueroa streets overlooking the 110 Freeway would be a 1 million-square-foot structure that exclusively serves the office market. Once construction begins, it is estimated to take 36 months. No time goal has been set for the groundbreaking, said Moretti. The building being designed by Richard Keating of Keating/Khang would be the first new office tower in Downtown in more than 15 years. Maguire Properties is headed by Robert F. Maguire. - Los Angeles Downtown News

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/untitled4.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2497278343_9c54bca6f7_o.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/untitled3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/rpulido/untitled5.jpg

[phattonez]

I haven't heard anything since it was proposed, has there been anything?

[Westsidelife]

I haven't heard anything since it was proposed, has there been anything?

Maguire Office Tower

Maguire Properties is talking with several potential tenants of a proposed 50-story building, but no deals have been announced, and a groundbreaking will not occur until the high-rise is 40% to 50% pre-leased, said the company's Peggy Moretti. The building at Seventh and Figueroa streets overlooking the 110 Freeway would be a 1 million-square-foot structure that exclusively serves the office market. Once construction begins, it is estimated to take 36 months. No time goal has been set for the groundbreaking, said Moretti. The building being designed by Richard Keating of Keating/Khang would be the first new office tower in Downtown in more than 15 years. Maguire Properties is headed by Robert F. Maguire. B7 - Los Angeles Downtown News

[phattonez]

So if they are getting tennants then I'm assuming that the EIR is done and the building has been approved by the city.

[Fern~Fern*]

Wait I'm confused just a bit here. Maguire has two 50 story highrises in the pipeline, right? This one next to the 110 and there's another one proposed for 7th & Fig plaza across the street on one of those empty lots. Who is also in talks to get tenants....Can someone shed some light on this?

[Westsidelife]

Maguire has only one 50 story tower in the pipeline.

[OULET]

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7170/755qg3.png (http://imageshack.us)

I found that picture on this site www.rtkl.com
Is that an old design or it's a different project?

[milquetoast]

Nice structure but AGAIN with the hole in the roof! :)

[Westsidelife]

That's an old rendering.

[Buildingfrenzy]

Nice structure but AGAIN with the hole in the roof! :)

Well, it looks like a giant lighter. Could also be a suicide portal!:badnews::D

Looks like it's a popular fad in the design world right now. Looks OK.

[Westsidelife]

Who cares what it is! It's an OLD design! :bash:

[omgitsroy326]

bump.

[Westsidelife]

^ :|

[omgitsroy326]

project is still alive

[xXFallenXx]

why? because you bumped it?

[ArchiTennis]

project is still alive

are you sure? although, I don't really like questioning people, you sound a little too confident. Where or what are your resources?

[TICONLA1]

are you sure? although, I don't really like questioning people, you sound a little too confident. Where or what are your resources?

Well, look at it this way, Miguire Properties, is to Los Angeles, and the west, what the Buck company, is to Chicago, or what Hines Interests, is to Houston, THE major player in the area..!!!

Not to mention, that all entitlements, permits, and complete building planning, and concept studys, are also complete, as well as 2/3 of the excavation of the site.

So, with all this in mind, and Miguire's construction record, (US Bank tower, the Gas Company tower, etc.) all he needs to start is, a major tenant lease of 300'000 square ft., with an option for another 200'000 sq. ft. or leases for 35 to 50% of the building, and a set of working drawings, and he WILL build it......!!!!!

[Joey313]

interesting ^^ though I hope they fix that big hole in the tower. It would look better without it..

[Westsidelife]

^ I happen to like that 'hole'.

[Joey313]

it looks like a big blue brick with a handle

[Westsidelife]

^ Don't see what you're seeing.

[milquetoast]

it looks like a big blue brick with a handle

It looks like a big, blue Bic lighter. Flick it at night, it will look good up there :)

[I-97!!]

interesting ^^ though I hope they fix that big hole in the tower. It would look better without it..

It doesnt look like a hole
It looks like an observatory at the top of the building
for perhaps tourists?
an amazing view of the skyline and Los Angeles

[TICONLA1]

When Richard Keating was a design principle at SOM, he gained international architectural notoriety by the "hole" he placed near the top of the then Texas Commerce tower, in Dallas, the idea was to provide the option of smaller, but higher floors, for perspective tenents who would rather not share a standard floor with another lease holder.

When i heard that he was the principle architect at SOM, chosen to design the Gas Company tower, i thought for sure he would include the "hole" idea in the design, (i also heard, somewhere, that the idea was brought up) but i do not know the reason why it was dropped.

I like it, becouse with the helicopter pad ordinance, not much can be done with the top of our towers, but this idea adds some character to what could possibly be another almost featureless tower.

[Joey313]

Well they can be more creatvie with the "hole". IT could be better. It kinda just a little reminds me of thr BOFA tower

[milquetoast]

These architectural 'touches' are a little .... I don't know. There's an older building that has a covered 'porch' on the top in the downtown area and I think that I photographed it back in the 80's. Now Hanover has the same thing and though it's a look, it's also unbalanced and forces the building itself to appear that it's directing its attention in a singular direction, when I think that these crowns should be more balanced and centered in appearance :)

[ArchiTennis]

I know they're all speculative rumors right now...but this trailer has got to mean something!!

April 18, 2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2423878411_fb5e292cd7_b.jpg
From Flickr, by patrick_cates

[jlrobe]

I know they're all speculative rumors right now...but this trailer has got to mean something!!


This thing aint moving in until the building is at least 33% leased (previously 50%). I am sure, if they are going to begin construction, they would have filed papers with the city that are public record.

We need our investigative forumers to find out if they have pre-leased any space, or if they have filed in additional papers with the city.

[Westsidelife]

First, they should tear down that hideous parking structure.

[ArchiTennis]

^^ i somewhat disagree...I think this is one of the few places where a parking structure fits the site. it's right next to the freeway. I think it just needs some sort of facelift.

[Westsidelife]

April 23, 2008

More pix,

There are some pink marking outlining places to dig I assume. There is also a wooden podium for laying out drawings.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010001-2.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010002-3.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010003-2.jpg

[Westsidelife]

^^ i somewhat disagree...I think this is one of the few places where a parking structure fits the site. it's right next to the freeway. I think it just needs some sort of facelift.

I just don't see what you're seeing. I think the site would look ten times better if it were a grassy knoll.

[San Marino Guy]

Oh yeah, and with everything that comes with a grassy knoll, homeless people, drug dealers, etc.

[Westsidelife]

^ Wrong.

[milquetoast]

This, from citywatch, SSP:
If I'm not mistaken, the sign on the trailer is for this company (http://www.pankow.com/):

http://www.pankow.com/images/home_new/home_header.jpg

which is known for...
Since 1963, Pankow has maintained an enviable position in the building industry with an unsurpassed record of performance, value and quality. As a veteran and pioneer of the Design-Build project delivery system, Pankow boasts a legacy of on time and on budget performance that is respected by clients and peers alike.

Each Pankow-led design-team member is selected for their experience and applicability to the unique needs of each project. Constructors and designers come together so that scope, cost and schedule are balanced, producing the optimum outcome. The Design-Build process ends only when the completed project is turned over to the client on time and at the guaranteed price.

It's odd that projs like LA central would go so far as having a construction wall put up for them, & then nothing happens. Or the devlpr of Grand Ave keeps saying that demolition of the parking structure across from Disney Hall will begin shortly, & then nothing happens.

Now there's a proposal that isn't on anyone's radar----which no one has really talked about----sponsored by a devlpr who's gone to the trouble of installing contractors/designers in a trailer on site?

Are these builders trying to drive us:

:gaah:

[soup or man]

Oh yeah, and with everything that comes with a grassy knoll, homeless people, drug dealers, etc.

Not to mention presidental asassinations.

[Finne]

It looks very nice!

And, little off-topic:

Do You know any nice hostel in Los Angeles? I would like to go for a weekend to USA for shopping but I don't like NYC. And I love LA :)

[soup or man]

Something is going on.

From SSP:

They're doing something!

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010003-3.jpghttp://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010001-3.jpg

[Westsidelife]

I love this building's design, but I highly doubt it's about to break ground. We didn't hear anything leading up to this speculation.

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

Why should we rely on what developers say when they fence our blocks and leave us in the clouds for months?!

[soup or man]

I love this building's design, but I highly doubt it's about to break ground. We didn't hear anything leading up to this speculation.

We didn't hear anything whenn 717 Ninth broke ground. It just sorta happened. But you never know. We'll just have to wait and see.

[omgitsroy326]

First, they should tear down that hideous parking structure.

parking structure will be used to serve the new building..

[Westsidelife]

^ There's something called subterranean parking.

Welcome.

[omgitsroy326]

of course.. but the intent is to keep it...

[Westsidelife]

^ I know the intent is to keep it. That's why I suggested they tear it down.

[Westsidelife]

From SSP:

Sorry guys,

I talked to the construction crew yesterday and they are only building a walkway on the site.

[BEATSLIM]

I keep telling you guys...this WILL happen but not until next year......

[Westsidelife]

I hate to say it, but, told ya so! ;)

[omgitsroy326]

I keep telling you guys...this WILL happen but not until next year......

yup.. 2009 = )

[milquetoast]

:)

[ArchiTennis]

I trust Wolverineman more than anyone over at SSP. Until he says that he spoke to someone and confirmed it's non construction then i'll be happy. otherwise...i'm gonna hold my breath until groundbreaking. :)

[milquetoast]

Has Wolver ever told us anything about projects he wasn't associated with! If that's the case, he would be a gold mine of information http://easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-fighting-smileys-459.gif (http://easyfreesmileys.com/)

[TICONLA1]

Well, i don't want to get everyone over excited, but judging by the type's of heavy equipment in the photo's, it could very well mean that there setting up for soil analysis, to determine what type of foundation system will be used.

Not to mention that Pankow construction is a large enough company to build this building.

Give it time and we'll see...

[Westsidelife]

The timing just isn't right for this one.

But the fact that there's equipment on site might be an indication of Maguire's plans to move forward with this project.

[ArchiTennis]

From SSP

I believe ucland's news that they are building a walkway at the pit but what kind of walkway needs this kind of rebar work? Could they be building a walkway tough enough to eventually be topped by a high-rise or is the Maguire project totally dead? I guess they could use the rebar to shore up the remaining dirt concrete.

BTW the green door was totally buried under all that dirt!

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010001-4.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h189/Tujungaboy/P1010002-4.jpg


Why would they need that much rebar? Hey, Wolverineman...what's your opinion?

[raymond3000]

is it going to be an elevated walkway? maybe those rebar columns are for the columns that will make it elevated? whats even more crazy is that the green door was there all this time like that. lol

[BEATSLIM]

what in the world is going on here??? a walkway?

were gonna need an explanation wolverine!

[AlexTheMartian]

how the hell did a green glass door get buried under all the dirt, and not break from the pressure?

[omgitsroy326]

In june we'll know if this project will go through.. til then. fingers crossed

[ArchiTennis]

^^ hi..haven't seen u here before...where'd u get this information from?

[Westsidelife]

In june we'll know if this project will go through.. til then. fingers crossed

It would be nice if you were to cite your source.

[milquetoast]

omgitsroy, don't turn into omgitswrong!

[ArchiTennis]

ok...my guess is that omgitsroy is somehow involved with this project...my guess? intern. yes? no? he doesn't want to state where he's getting the information for that same reason. so it looks like we'll have to wait till june. till then, omgitsroy, can u clarify..please

[omgitsroy326]

close. but not an intern~

[AlexTheMartian]

its a guessing game

[Westsidelife]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2497768442_ccfeca9576_b.jpg

Activity on 755 Figueroa Site Raises False Hopes (http://www.angelenic.com/activity-on-755-figueroa-site-raises-false-hopes/#more-625)

By Stephen Friday
May 16, 2008

Over the last couple weeks, dozing equipment and grading activity in the “pit” next to the 7th+Fig parking structure has prompted enthusiastic speculators to suggest site preparation may be underway for Maguire Properties’ proposed 50-story office tower (http://www.angelenic.com/images/ccrendering_maguire_tower.jpg).

In short, it’s not happening yet, folks.

Though Maguire continues pre-development work on the project securing entitlements and the required 50% tenant pre-leasing, considering the company’s highly-publicized financial struggles (even in our ripening office market (rhttp://www.angelenic.com/with-downtown-downturn-could-maguire-still-fly/)), they are in no shape to begin erecting Downtown’s first major office tower in over fifteen years.

Also, such an event would be met with media coverage and Villaraigosa’s blessing.

Here’s my take:

A couple years ago, a covered walkway linking (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=pp7g5p54b9mw&style=b&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=3609717&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1) the multi-story parking structure to the shopping plaza was demolished, blocking direct pedestrian access to the lower level’s rear entrance.

Today, foliage removal and a newly carved path where that walkway once stood indicate all the efforts are for walkway reconstruction.

Yes, nothing exciting to see here, but at least all you motorists can look forward to a shortcut to the lovely “International Food Court.”

-with ‘downtown downturn’, could maguire still fly? (http://www.angelenic.com/with-downtown-downturn-could-maguire-still-fly/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2497765382_7ee53a6d5a_b.jpg
Entrance to lower level corridor of 7th+Fig Plaza.

http://www.angelenic.com/images/755_figueroa_rendering.jpg
Rendering of proposed 755 Figueroa tower by Keating Khang.

[BEATSLIM]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[omgitsroy326]

i'll let you guys know in june if it will go through or not...

[I-97!!]

Ill expect a response at exactly 12:00am, June 1st 2008. :cheers:

[Westsidelife]

Given Maguire's financial outlook, I don't know about this one. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, though. This one's a beauty.

[omgitsroy326]

sorry to say... it no longer looks like that anymore...

[JRinSoCal]

^Downsized?

[omgitsroy326]

nope~~it's totally redesigned...

[TICONLA1]

Well, maybe no office tower yet, but yesterday i drove by the site of the Clubview tower on the westside, (it's about 8 floors above grade, with rebar cages up to the 10th, by the way.) and as 755, and the Clubview are both designed by Keating and Khang architects, i was interested to note that Pankow construction is also building the Clubview..!!

So even if we have to wait for the office tower, we have a good indication of who will be involved, and who to watch....

[Westsidelife]

nope~~it's totally redesigned...

Is it still being designed by Keating | Khang Architecture?

[milquetoast]

Mayyybeee omgitsroy will 'hip' us to these latest devos with some renderings.

[omgitsroy326]

no ... keating is no longer involved

i'd love to release some photos but not sure if it's ok with other people...

[Westsidelife]

^ Could you at the very least give us the name of the new architect involved in the project so as to give us some sort of idea of what to expect quality-wise? That would be great.

[milquetoast]

i'd love to release some photos but not sure if it's ok with other people...

Hmmm...I don't believe youhttp://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/LisaSimpson.gifrabbit1970.org

[AlexTheMartian]

everyone like photos on here, and as much as possible, even if you have to hang upside down from a web like spiderman, the more photos the better

[jessemh431]

I'm not really sure if I trust this guy. I mean, he might just be f***ing with us. We don't know what or who he works for and he can't give us any info, not even pics. I would love to believe that we will see pics though.

[BEATSLIM]

I question him as well...

[Joey313]

omgitsroy: No we dont mind you posting pics now post em

[soup or man]

I don't believe in anyone until there is photo evidence or a press release or something other than hearsay.

[Kenni]

What a bummer! the design was so fresh for L.A.
Very Shanghai.

[Christian urbanite]

I think it would be good for Maguire to build this. Since it is 50% leased already, they should make back the money they have lost to build the tower, plus a lot more that should help them with their financial situation.

[Steve2726]

Since it is 50% leased already

Where did you hear this?
:?

[milquetoast]

The new guy at Maguire may have said something :)

[milquetoast]

Maguire Properties' new chief executive faces major testhttp://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/39042664.jpg

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times
Nelson C. Rising, the newly appointed president and chief executive of Maguire Properties, pictured inside the firm's offices in downtown Los Angeles.
Nelson Rising returns to a company beset by challenges after the departure of founder Robert Maguire.
By Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
May 20, 2008
The turnaround specialist who took control Monday of the largest office landlord in downtown Los Angeles has already earned a merit badge in rescuing troubled California businesses.

But Nelson Rising may face his toughest challenge in reviving Maguire Properties Inc., the company that built some of the tallest buildings in the West and played a major role in redefining the city's skyline.

He must act quickly to bolster the company's ailing finances and chart the future of the real estate investment trust without the presence of the man who gave the company its name and much of its vision and drive in years past.

"We have challenges, but I am very upbeat about the company's prospects," Rising said at the close of his first full day on the job. "The assets the company has are terrific."

In spite of the nation's economic downturn, "I am extremely positive about the Southern California economy and the growth in demand for office space -- because of increases in the service sector."

Robert F. Maguire III, 73, stepped aside over the weekend after his efforts to buy back the company failed. The board of directors made Rising president and chief executive. Maguire will still be chairman emeritus and a part-time consultant, but he must move out of company offices.

After a brief board meeting Saturday during which Maguire resigned, he headed for what he described as a "hellish" yacht race with his brother around Santa Barbara Island that ended at 2 a.m. in Orange County's Emerald Bay. Now, he said, he will pursue other business interests including a natural gas operation in Dallas and real estate development at Van Nuys Airport.

"I ain't done yet, by any means," Maguire said. He'll also be pulling for the recovery of Maguire Properties, in part because he is its largest stockholder. The company had a $48.6-million first-quarter loss.

Maguire's departure marked the end of a tortuous six months for the man who fought unsuccessfully to keep control of the company he started in 1965. He also endured embarrassment when his ex-wife testified during the trial of Anthony Pellicano that the private investigator had tapped Maguire's personal phone calls.

Rising, 66, knows what he is in for. He worked for Maguire's company in the 1980s and 1990s and oversaw many of its projects, notably Playa Vista, the sprawling and controversial development that sprung from property south of Marina del Rey that was once owned by Howard Hughes. He also supervised construction of U.S. Bank Tower and the nearby Gas Company Tower in downtown Los Angeles.

"I think Nelson is as prepared and as good a choice as you could think of anywhere in the country," said Richard Gilchrist, Robert Maguire's former co-chief executive who left in 2006 to take over the office division of Irvine Co.

Like Maguire, Rising has a reputation as a creative and tenacious executive --though a more diplomatic one. Whereas Maguire could be volatile and autocratic, Rising is known for his consensus-building skills.

Rising, a lawyer and former UCLA lineman who attended the university on a football scholarship, labored four years to resurrect Playa Vista and reach compromises with environmental activists after public sentiment had turned against the development.

Rising was recruited in 1994 to take over Catellus Development Corp., the languishing real estate spinoff of Southern Pacific Railroad that hoped to reinvent itself as a builder. Over the next 11 years he supervised the growing company and its most ambitious project, Mission Bay, the largest mixed-used development in the history of San Francisco.

Catellus, which also owned Union Station in Los Angeles, was sold for $3.6 billion in cash and stock to warehouse and distribution giant ProLogis in 2005. Recently, Rising started a small private real estate company with his son Christopher and longtime partner Douglas Gardner, both of whom have come with him to Maguire as senior executives.

Rising will receive a base annual salary of $950,000 and through incentive payments for improving the company's bottom line may earn a bonus of up to 300% of that salary.

One of Rising's first moves was to break the lease the company was paying for office space in a Santa Monica building owned personally by Robert Maguire. In the past the company website said it was based in Los Angeles, but calls to headquarters in the 213 area code for downtown actually rang on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.

As of Monday, the executive offices had moved to KPMG Tower, a Grand Avenue office building owned by the company. His first priority now, Rising said, is to evaluate the company's position and outline a recovery strategy

The company has "a whole range of challenges," including heavy debt and a big stake in the Orange County office market, which has suffered from personnel cutbacks in the home mortgage industry and competition from new buildings.

Analysts expect Rising to try to bring the company back to profitability gradually instead of selling off large chunks to more quickly alter the balance sheet. "This is now a long-term turnaround project, like Catellus was," said analyst Michael Knott of Green Street Advisors.

Perhaps with that timetable in mind, investors saw Maguire shares slip 35 cents Monday to $14.85. The stock has fallen 50% in the last year.

Rising's reputation for candor and clear communication should improve Wall Street's perception of the company, said analyst Craig Silvers, president of Bricks & Mortar Capital.

By contrast, "Maguire wanted to run the company the way he saw fit, and he didn't want to be second-guessed, which Wall Street has a tendency to do," Silvers said. The street also has a fixation on quarterly performance that clashed with Maguire's longer-term vision, he said.

"Running a public company is probably not the most favorite thing in my life," Maguire acknowledged. "I built a lot of the skyline downtown and I am very proud of that. Nelson is an exceptional guy and I am sure he will do a great job taking the company forward."

The company has an outstanding real estate portfolio and the time is right for its entrepreneurial founder to transfer power, said former Maguire partner Ned Fox, now chief executive of Vantage Property Investors. The transition will give Maguire more room to maneuver and pursue new ventures, he said. "This frees Rob."

roger.vincent@latimes.com

[omgitsroy326]

i've been depressed about this...

[omgitsroy326]

i've been depressed about this...

[milquetoast]

.. is there something you'd like to tell us, Roy?

[omgitsroy326]

well.. management changed... so i dont' know the direction of this building... the schedule for this building is really rushed and with the change in management.. i really don't know where it's going at this point....

[BEATSLIM]

hell i couldve told us that and i dont even work for maguire. most of your so called "inside info" is/has/was out in the open...

[Westsidelife]

If anything, new management creates new energy and a sense of excitement. I believe the firm will continue to carry on the tradition of erecting skyscrapers that will grace the Los Angeles skyline for years to come.

[milquetoast]

Let's hope it's not YEEEAAARRRRRSSSSSS

[omgitsroy326]

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v190/161/58/3310458/s3310458_37446586_6498.jpg

[milquetoast]

That's smaller than the average avatar... it's nice but I can barely make it out... slowly he cracks...

[omgitsroy326]

= )

[milquetoast]

:)

[Westsidelife]

Omgitsroy326, do you have a larger rendering?

Sad to say, but the design went downhill...way downhill.

[omgitsroy326]

i agree...

[omgitsroy326]

i dont' have the most up to date one photo on my computer right now .. but in my opinion the most recent rendering looks funny.. . worse that what you see now... if project get canceled i'll post many large pics...

[omgitsroy326]

now wouldn't it be nice if calatrava got on board... man i wish... i really wish....

[milquetoast]

My guess is he would want ...what do you call that stuff? ........................................money?

[soup or man]

I still call bullshit on this.

[BEATSLIM]

Does he accept bits of string?

[milquetoast]

Roy, your Q factor is fading, fading

[DinoVabec]

As I can see, there is no ''suicide portal'' on the roof...

[ArchiTennis]

omg! can u guys lay off omgitsroy326. At least he's contributing with some useful information. Unlike most of you.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b43/samceb/755Fig-1.jpg

The design may lack in the creative department, but I like the thinness of this building.

[soup or man]

Maguire Properties continues to speak with potential occupants of a 1 million-square-foot high-rise in the Financial District, but the company will not commit to building the 50-story office tower until it can be approximately 50% pre-leased, said the company's Peggy Moretti. Richard Keating of Keating/Khang has worked on designs for the edifice that would rise at Seventh and Figueroa streets. Construction of Downtown's first new office tower in more than 15 years would take about three years, said Moretti.

[TICONLA1]

Look's as if they went back to the first architect, but changed the design to full office use, and got rid of that roof awning with the hole.
This is an interesting site becouse it's situated between the parking structure, and the shopping plaza, which share basically, the same elevation as 7th street, with the elevation of 8th street considerably lower, (i'd guess 60 to 80 feet).
So what this tells me is that the lobby enterence will, (or should have) 3 entery points, at 3 different elevations, and something about the Keating plan, which had a much wider base, (overhanging the building footprint) looks as if it may have had alot of additional structural cost's.
I'm dissapointed in the Keating departure, (if true), but this new plan looks good. i'm not one for non functional ornamentation on office towers, and this new plan, (if true) if it's a rework of the first attempt, (i also like the apperent thiness) is good enough for me.

[omgitsroy326]

there's actually still a hole in the building.. not captured in this rendering..

[Kenni]

omg! can u guys lay off omgitsroy326. At least he's contributing with some useful information. Unlike most of you.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b43/samceb/755Fig-1.jpg

The design may lack in the creative department, but I like the thinness of this building.

Oh no, looks like they're pinching pennies :/

"the hole in the sky" rendering was too good to be true. merde!

If there's a hole in this one like omgitsroy326 said,.. it's amighty tight one then.

[BEATSLIM]

What a bummer! the design was so fresh for L.A.
Very Shanghai.

Very much shanghai. damn shame it wont look like it. building looked amazing :(

[omgitsroy326]

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v190/161/58/3310458/s3310458_37446585_6264.jpg

= )

[BEATSLIM]

Hmmmmm from shanghai to hong kong. i actually kinda like it. still prefer whats on page 1 the most. Is that design scrapped?

[xXFallenXx]

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v190/161/58/3310458/s3310458_37446585_6264.jpg

= )
Hmm.....that's definitely not bad. Maybe not quite as good as the old one, but i still like it.

I think Roy's credibility is starting to rise again. Thanks Roy. :)

[ArchiTennis]

Yeah...thanks Roy for these inside renderings.

here it is a little bigger:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b43/samceb/755Fig2.jpg

[milquetoast]

We're through the looking glass here, people...

[djm19]

Yeah...thanks Roy for these inside renderings.

here it is a little bigger:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b43/samceb/755Fig2.jpg

I like the original better, but this design is a solid addition too.

[raymond3000]

actually I favor this design too. It gives the building a form of elegance and distinction with the lighting on those (skylobbies) and plays off the floodlit tiers of 777 Fig. If this is the official rendering and it becomes this in reality it will be a welcomed addition to the skyline.

[omgitsroy326]

i like the thin look which they are going for.. but there should be a huge premium for such a design~

[TICONLA1]

Even though i can not tell exactly what's going on with the roof line, this new one look's as if it could be a touch higher above the 777 tower, which is 725'.

I'm hoping it's higher than 750', if so, it would take the title of 3rd tallest from 2 California plaza.

[omgitsroy326]

Even though i can not tell exactly what's going on with the roof line, this new one look's as if it could be a touch higher above the 777 tower, which is 725'.

I'm hoping it's higher than 750', if so, it would take the title of 3rd tallest from 2 California plaza.

wow.. you know your buildings pretty well...

[Westsidelife]

I prefer the curviness of the original design to the new design's more slender figure.

[cyguy]

There are a couple more pictures on the rtkl website, but I'm too lazy to ctrl+prtscr and excise them. http://www.rtkl.com/main/projects/projects.cfm

[Westsidelife]

^ That's an old rendering.

[cyguy]

even the other two pictures of the courtyard/entrance?

[soup or man]

even the other two pictures of the courtyard/entrance?

About 4 years old.

[cyguy]

so sad...

[TICONLA1]

wow.. you know your buildings pretty well...

I worked on several of them over the years, when they we're built, and rebuilt...

[omgitsroy326]

I worked on several of them over the years, when they we're built, and rebuilt...
construction worker? mangement?archictect ? engineer?

[Kenni]

Well, I preferred the "hole in the sky", but let's get something going.

[TICONLA1]

construction worker? mangement?archictect ? engineer?

Construction worker, Plumber, new Class "A" construction,(commercial/highrise)
Pipefitter, industral pipe installer, oil refinerys, drilling and pumping platforms

I've worked out of 6 union locals in the U.S., over the last 30 years, was also a boiler operator in the U.S. Navy, 81 to 84.

[raymond3000]

so is this thing a go or not? they told us to wait until June, when will we hear what the status is?

[TICONLA1]

so is this thing a go or not? they told us to wait until June, when will we hear what the status is?

I would also like to know who the architect is...!!

[omgitsroy326]

it's on hold.. cause of the new management .... as a result .. there's a chance that it may just be cut in half...

due to change in management ... i can't give any answer to where this project is headed..

sorry.. but if my source does get kicked off the project.. i'd release all the photos...

btw there still a hole in the building.. think 80' = )

[milquetoast]

Roy, come on! It's time to spill your sources, and time to spill the pics http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/013troll.jpg

[omgitsroy326]

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v239/161/58/3310458/s3310458_37979328_5025.jpg

[BEATSLIM]

Really small image but it looks like a bigger version of One California Plaza.

[xXFallenXx]

Damn you roy. we need real pictures. Big, huge, hi-def images are the only thing that can sustain our insatiable appetite. Better than nothing though. :)

[dachacon]

when do they open the green door at the bottom??

[milquetoast]

I just got my first pair of glasses last week! I'm gonna need 'em :)

[Westsidelife]

Omgitsroy326, you said that you would inform us of the status of this project by June. It's now July.

[omgitsroy326]

it's on hold.. cause of the new management .... as a result .. there's a chance that it may just be cut in half...

due to change in management ... i can't give any answer to where this project is headed..

sorry.. but if my source does get kicked off the project.. i'd release all the photos...

btw there still a hole in the building.. think 80' = )




/
/

[dachacon]

did your source get kicked off the project??

[Imperfect Ending]

Any news on this pretty pretty?

[Fern~Fern*]

Roy is just pulling our third leg... He has nothing! :ohno:

[omgitsroy326]

Officially on hold.. due to all the economic crisis

at this rate ... considered it canceled until further notice

[milquetoast]

Ta Daaaa!! :)

[omgitsroy326]

FYI: The building has changed to a third architect... it's not like what you seen on the first page and not like the rendering which i posted before.. it is depressing how much the building has changed..

[omgitsroy326]

some old pix ... like it matters nowhttp://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v190/161/58/3310458/n3310458_37446585_6264.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v190/161/58/3310458/n3310458_37446584_6005.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v200/161/58/3310458/n3310458_37310368_2138.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v359/161/58/3310458/n3310458_40072328_9024.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v239/161/58/3310458/n3310458_37979328_5025.jpg

[milquetoast]

AGHHHHHHH!!

[Imperfect Ending]

I liked the first render best ( as in post #1 )

[I-97!!]

NO!!!!!!!

[Steve2726]

Not surprising at all that it's on hold/ cancelled. regardless, thanks for posting the renders OMG. Was the developer Maguire? (MPG:NYSE)

[Imperfect Ending]

Even though it's not as cool as the first one I still like it though...
But I still rather have the first one

[DinoVabec]

Looks so good...Damn crisis...:no:

It's fucked up a lot of great projects around the world...

[soup or man]

Meh..I'd rather have the Maguire version. If we get anything at all that is.

[croyboy]

i think the first render on this page and the first one on page one are great designs that i wouldn't which one approved over the other. the second one is okay or blah (might still work with the old 70s-90s skyline), but the last 3 can leave the drawing table and jump into a trash incinerator for sure.

[omgitsroy326]

Meh..I'd rather have the Maguire version. If we get anything at all that is.

It's always been maguire

[soup or man]

^ The first version. Page 1.

[Westsidelife]

^ Yeah, the original Keating | Khang design was amazing. Oh well. Here's to hoping one day something even more amazing will fill up that spot.

[XLucky4LifeX]

Will this building block 777 Tower from Hollywood view?
I like the design. It will make LA skyline cooler.

[la_architect]

The third proposal was a Gensler design and has since been removed from consideration,(thank god) It is hardly representative of their best work and a darn shame they did not put their top designers on it.

[milquetoast]

la architect, if you're going to make such bold statements, then you'll have to sign in and show your face.

[la_architect]

My only point was that the firm I mentioned was involved in the very unpopular 3rd scheme, and ultimately dropped the ball. I would be more than willing to explain more to you privately, I do not feel it appropriate to say much more in a community forum.

BTW, do you make the rules here, I do not see where it says you are a moderator?

[milquetoast]

Yuchhh, moderator? (no offense, LASF. Nygirl, hmmmpf!) No, I just thought that we would like to know more about the goings on of the deals made behind closed doors in this, our town! This isn't a "community" forum in the average sense; we demand satisfaction! . We had a guy on the inside of the LA LIVE/ Marriott/Ritz project who was invaluable to us and would provide our members from here to Croatia with data and pictures unavailable even to other forums of similar theme elsewhere. His name here was Wolverine. He's currently on "Red" over in WeHo. If you have anything on any projects please do not hesitate to offer it in great detail here. There are no secrets between members. Is there something troubling you would like to disclose here?

[DinoVabec]

:applause: Great words M-Toast...

[soup or man]

My only point was that the firm I mentioned was involved in the very unpopular 3rd scheme, and ultimately dropped the ball. I would be more than willing to explain more to you privately, I do not feel it appropriate to say much more in a community forum.

BTW, do you make the rules here, I do not see where it says you are a moderator?

Basically what milq was saying in his usual purple way was that unless we see it (pictures, credible article in some outlet), we won't believe it.

[la_architect]

Robert Maguire wanted the third tallest building in LA, and he wanted to move on it fast being that he was in his seventies and it may be his last project.

Gensler was happy to oblige, stretching the million square feet vertically with a 16.5 foot floor to floor and 20+ foot sky lobbies. They also went with a rectangular floor plate in such to give it a "knife edge appearance" from the 110.



Unfortunately, as mentioned in a previous post, it would have blocked the views looking west from the adjacent tower and I imagine that would have made a lot of people very unhappy.

Genlser spent a small fortune and the better part of 2 months taking what was originally an intriguing solution and mucking it up.

The design architect, by his own admission, was fulfilling some long time career fantasy on putting up a hi-rise before his career winded down. He did not care about doing what was right for the city, he could not see past his own ego on this one.

Gensler believed that their relationship with Maguire properties was enough, and they could let let their senior design director run hog wild on the LA skyline. . it was a sad sad sequence of events and all boiled down to the poor vision and leadership displayed by the Gensler regional design director who cared more about appeasing his own ego over providing a quality architecture that could be enjoyed by most.

I have some images, what is the best way to post them in here?

[la_architect]

one more thing to note, it is my understanding that DIJM was awarded the work when Maguire Properties changed leadership. Where it has gone from there I have no idea. The project is valid guys, just on hold. It was also my understanding that the project was gaining interest from a foreign bank that had offices in San Francisco and wanted to expand the LA offices. I do not know if that is the case any onger, things have changed quite a bit since last january of '08.

[milquetoast]

^^THATSWHATI'MTALKIN'ABOUT!^^ uh,... la? What's your affiliation?

[xXFallenXx]

Right on LA Architect!

[xXFallenXx]

you can post your pictures in here by going to a photo-uploading website (www.tinypic.com doesn't require you to create an account) and copy the "IMG Code for Forums & Message Boards" and paste it here. :)

[Steve2726]

Just to summarize things, here are the 3 known previous plans for this site-

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7170/755qg3.png
RTKL design from ~4 years ago ^^

http://img455.imageshack.us/img455/6320/maguiretowerba1.jpg
Keating Khang design from ~2 years ago ^^

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v190/161/58/3310458/n3310458_37446585_6264.jpg
Unknown firm, info from forum member omgitsroy326 in post #153 of this thread. ^^



Question to LA Architect- Is the last one the one you mentioned from Gensler and are you saying there might be another design from DMJM? Thanks and welcome to the forum!

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

i like them in this order. 3, 1 and then 2. i actually like all three so i wouldnt mind any of them to be built.

[dachacon]

can anyone do a rendering of 755 figueroa and the wilshire grand towers?

[soup or man]

i like them in this order. 3, 1 and then 2. i actually like all three so i wouldnt mind any of them to be built.

2, 3, 1.

2 was my favorite.

[DinoVabec]

3, 1, 2...

To me, 2. looks kinda...Not LA...

[dleung]

I worked on a bunch of massing options for #3 a couple years ago when working for Gensler. We carved out two dozen models from the rapid prototype machine, knowing full well this one was the winner, lol. We were told that the firm that did #2 got fired, because the design looked "too corporate", and very 80's...

[Westsidelife]

^ Too corporate? What the hell? Of the three designs, it is by far the best looking one.

[milquetoast]

Hey hey HEY! Don't scare away the insider!

[Kenni]

Damn that law that L.A. cannot have spires!!!!

[Westsidelife]

^ I don't think there's a law prohibiting spires. I think there's a law requiring helipads.

[XLucky4LifeX]

Damn that law that L.A. cannot have spires!!!!

Bleh. Who need spires?
LA proves that spires are cheaters, and we don't need spires to make a good, tall , and beautiful skyline :bash:

[Joey313]

Spires are cool we need them!!!

[croyboy]

^^sounds like a desparate pansy crying for a pacifier... L.A. is NOT that. we don't NEED anything cuz we can get along without even trying for cheated height. man up!

[soup or man]

^ This.

[croyboy]

joey saying we "need" spires... sounds like we'll die without em

[Downtown Los Angeles]

spires for these size buildings are perfect for L.A. now if there was a tower in LA that was determined the tallest building in the U.S. because of its spire, then u guys should be bothered . but i think spires for medium sized buildings here would look great.

[dleung]

Spires will look badass:

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1219/capture2b.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3337/capturehqx.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8118/capturensi.jpg

[milquetoast]

Here's one of our future spires, Joey http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee192/trolltoast/album%202/11446_2_ACMP_Wilshire20Grand20Day_f.jpg

[dachacon]

joey saying we "need" spires... sounds like we'll die without em

technically you can, spires are lightning rods so in places like new york where lightning is common there needed. and with storms like the one we had on Wednesday and today we may need them soon.

[AlexTheMartian]

what happens when lightning hits a roof with no spire?

...I never see skyscrapers in flames like candlesticks after a lightning storm

[Joey313]

Milquetoast,.. Amen to that future scraper with a spire that does not Cheat hahah what game are we talking about... Who would rather be fair and not have a spire..? ? >> i dont understand...

[croyboy]

technically you can, spires are lightning rods so in places like new york where lightning is common there needed. and with storms like the one we had on Wednesday and today we may need them soon.

haha! okay, maybe in those rare lightning storm cases (though not so rare recently, sorry to say)

[milquetoast]

In research I've found that spires on tall buildings weren't originally designed for lightning absorbtion and dispersal. Although the ESB (which glutted the market so much early on it was called the "Empty State Building" and wasn't profitable until the 1950's) has a two hundred foot plus lightning rod on it's spire now, the original was designed to be a dirigibal mast. The Burj, ("burj", meaning "tower") is so tall lightning will strike the sides but not the top! I could be wrong

[milquetoast]

..

[klamedia]

I always loved that idea for the ESB mast to be for dirigables.

[milquetoast]

The Burj is so tall lightning will strike the sides but not the top! I could be wrong.
I guess I'm wrong (though it is striking the crane!) .
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/3d76971c4f.gif

[Imperfect Ending]

Omg that building is dangerous

[losangelino]

I guess I'm wrong (though it is striking the crane!) .
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/cbotnyse/3d76971c4f.gif


It is a fantastic structure. And speaking of the cranes!! I took this one over a year ago. They must be finished by now I'd think...

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj139/angeleno123/PICT0157_edited.jpg

[Imperfect Ending]

^^ Prettymuch

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3596787991_169c508f8d_b.jpg

[milquetoast]

^^ Hmmyeah, let's get one of those. I can see that mid Wilshire. How much- 2 billion?

[losangelino]

^^ Prettymuch

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3596787991_169c508f8d_b.jpg

Wow! That is progress. Beautiful!! It sort of sits off by itself, away from the bulk of the other buildings being built literally everywhere but man, you'd have to see Dubai to believe it. Unbelievable. At the time, someone told me that almost half of the world's highrise cranes were in use in that city and I believed them. It was as if someone woke up and decided to build an entire city from scratch. There should be one other underway taller than this one now. Maybe two.

[DinoVabec]

There should be one other underway taller than this one now. Maybe two.

Yeah...Nakheel Tower...Over 1 km tall...But it's on hold because of recession...

[XLucky4LifeX]

^^ Hmmyeah, let's get one of those. I can see that mid Wilshire. How much- 2 billion?

Lets destroy all the parking lots and build a 3,000 ft parking garage thing? :banana: I WILL START IT! :nuts:

[milquetoast]

That would be us... the three thousand foot parking :)

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

ok guys, back to the topic, even though there isnt much to talk about..

[XLucky4LifeX]

The building will be lit yellow? I'm sure it'll be 777tower's new best friend!
LA has too much blue. Neways I prefer the building to be lit orange-ish. We need orange.
As for green or pink, that'll be those hongkong-ish buildings lol.

[Imperfect Ending]

^^ Those are third-world colours!

[San Marino Guy]

LA is unique in that our buildings are that way. We don't want to copy other cities like Hong Kong. Plus, I think pink would be taking it a little too far.

[Imperfect Ending]

http://image59.webshots.com/159/6/83/53/2171683530096515883HUYRnY_fs.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2544196182_9a9b96cc09_o.jpg

[XLucky4LifeX]

Wtf that building woulda ruined the skyline.
Lol thx for telling me that.
Pink IS too far. Unless if you want to make Los Angeles SEXY?

[San Marino Guy]

That pink thing completely ruins that skyline. It's like welcome to South Beach, Florida.

[milquetoast]

We have a building here, the Flamingo Hilton, that has that mirrored pink glass. A supergraphic of Toni Braxton covered most of it for years, thank God! A building would have to be outrageously great to pull off that color!

[soup or man]

^ There is only one city on earth that can pull off pink buildings (sans that pink hotel in Hawaii who's name escapes me).

http://images-0.redbubble.net/img/art/size:large/view:main/615520-3-pretty-in-pink.jpg
http://annegarneypaintings.com/images/miami%20beach.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2915201350_9fe5e2e274.jpg?v=0

I don't think LA could ever pull off a pink building. Or light a building pink. Sans all the stucco tract houses in the valley or wherever.

[Joy Machine]

hmmmm with some quick shopping...

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/67/l_fcc81ada146c46ca9a5d82632bb57a52.jpg

[TampaMike]

hmmmm with some quick shopping...

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/67/l_fcc81ada146c46ca9a5d82632bb57a52.jpg
:puke:

[Joy Machine]

^^ LOL seriously. That hotel in Hawaii made me think of that one so I just had too.

[San Marino Guy]

MY GOD THAT'S UGLY!:eek2:

[milquetoast]

Could you make the others different colours?

[Joy Machine]

^^ I started on that actually when I did that. Im a little stuck on a purple or florescent green library tower, leaning towards the later lol

[jessemh431]

I like green too. Make a purple bridge the encircles downtown that is shaped like the one in Miami. Haha.

[LAmarODom420]

Could we please restrict it to something actually related to 755 Fig? Somehow I get fooled every time into thinking something is actually happening...

[milquetoast]

So true, but you know nothing is happening right now :)

[CK1]

I heard from someone on the inside 755 is maybe a go. Or at least getting closer to forward progression.

[Steve2726]

Who on earth is going to loan Maguire [MPG:NYSE] money to build this? Also, we never settled the argument over which architect is/ was working on this last. Was it Gensler or DMJM?

[milquetoast]

CK1? Please tell us about yourself

[CK1]

I'm a manager with a builder here in the LA area and like everyone else in large construction, trying to keep my finger on the pulse of the economy and specifically my region.

This tower has been a topic of conversation for quite sometime here in LA.

I didn't even know a forum like this existed, but now that I'm popping around in here I think it's really cool that there's something like this entirely dedicated to high-rises.

[VZN]

I'm a manager with a builder here in the LA area and like everyone else in large construction, trying to keep my finger on the pulse of the economy and specifically my region.

This tower has been a topic of conversation for quite sometime here in LA.

I didn't even know a forum like this existed, but now that I'm popping around in here I think it's really cool that there's a something like this entirely dedicated to high-rises.

Welcome to the boards. :)

[CK1]

Who on earth is going to loan Maguire [MPG:NYSE] money to build this? Also, we never settled the argument over which architect is/ was working on this last. Was it Gensler or DMJM?

I had heard that there was a majority tenant nearing committal of "A substantial amount of lease space" a while back. That, some testicular fortitude and a little faith in the future is all Maguire would need to build if they really wanted to build.

I think it's quite possible we may see the private money start to flow again and there are some key players (possibly Maguire included) posturing themselves and preparing to take full advantage of contractor needs to land work, lower material prices, possible "incentives to build" offered up by the city and public entities and anything else developers can take advantage of in the market due to the competitive atmosphere we see as a result of the economy.

O'course, that's just a theory.

As far as the architect goes, I didn't see anywhere in this thread talk of HKS. HKS was on board 1st, if I'm not mistaken. And then Gensler came in. I didn't even know about DMJM.

[milquetoast]

We're all about the gossip here but we have some inside peeps like Wolverineman, who oversaw LALIVE and the tower and kept us in pictures. If you know anything, keeps us on the Q-T :)

[CK1]

I can neither confirm nor deny that I too may or may not know anything about LA Live, The Marriot and/or Maguire Properties projects.

I know lots of things! There are lots of things I don't know.

I did hear from an associate who heard directly from an LA city official who is an a position to know about projects that have obtained early permits that 755 was moving forward.

Of course, we all know how info transfers from person to person?

Who knows, I might dig deeper and go directly to the source and find out it wasn't the 755 bldg. that was moving forward it was the 756 Starbucks kiosk down on the street side or something stupid like that.

We can only hope we know what we're talking about at any given time, no?

[San Marino Guy]

Damn it's great to have an insider! Might as well not deny it CK1, it's a little obvious...

[CK1]

Damn it's great to have an insider! Might as well not deny it CK1, it's a little obvious...

I don't know about that "insider" stuff but I do kinda hope I'm right.

I'd like to my company get the job ofcourse, but honestly I'd like to see the job move forward just cuzza what it does for the city and the industry.

Let's face it, even if you don't get that job, the fact that it is going locks a lot of people up for a while and thins the pack out for the rest of the projects that are hopfully coming.

Maguire's golden child contractor is Hathaway Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie get's a job like that, they won't be doing a whole lot else. That creates some breathing room for others.

The more that happens, the more comfy we all become.

Theories of an "insider", those are!

[milquetoast]

Have you ever looked into breaking and entering? I heard that gets results!

[CK1]

Have you ever looked into breaking and entering? I heard that gets results!

I don't know what that means exactly but I'll sleep on it.

So what's the deal, nobody has anything on this?

I'm the only one who has heard anything recently and even I'm not entriely sure my info is valid?

That's kinda not a good sign.

[milquetoast]

Most of the people here get into trouble if they even go down to take pictures of towers. One of our members, I E, was taken into a security holding area and cavity searched! Just for taking pictures! We try to do the best we can- within reason.

[CK1]

Most of the people here get into trouble if they even go down to take pictures of towers. One of our members, I E, was taken into a security holding area and cavity searched! Just for taking pictures! We try to do the best we can- within reason.

I don't know what that means either.

Nor do I see what it has to do with this bldg.
Or perhaps, lack there of one (bldg.).

Speaking in tongues to protect one's identity I suppose.

Me, I'm going to continue to dig.

From within!

[croyboy]

it means what it means... literally... down to the word :)

[CK1]

Back on the back-burner, this one is.

And this time I did get the info from someone very near the top of the Maguire staff (that's still around).

Bummer!

No cranes left around downtown.

Not a good sign.

Time to get on a plane again.

I guess at least it's good to work for a company that builds nationwide. Might need the rest of the nation to get through the next few years.

[ArchiTennis]

^^ Or be like me...go work in the middle-east.