The Grand LA apartment construction represents a landmark development that is reshaping Downtown Los Angeles' cultural and residential landscape. Designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry, this visionary project combines luxury living with world-class architecture, featuring a striking residential tower known as The Grand by Gehry alongside the Conrad Los Angeles Hotel. The Grand LA aims to revitalize Downtown LA’s cultural center, blending innovative design with dynamic public spaces, dining, and commercial amenities to create a thriving urban community.
The Grand LA Towers
The Grand LA is a prestigious apartment and hotel complex situated in the heart of the Grand Ave Arts Corridor, designed by Frank Gehry, who Vanity Fair regards as one of the most influential architects of our time. Gehry, celebrated for iconic landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, brings his signature innovative style to this development. The Grand Avenue Project features two striking towers with an intricate glass and steel façade that boldly contrasts with other downtown Los Angeles buildings, embodying Gehry's design philosophy.
The Grand by Gehry residential tower offers luxury living with expansive panoramic views of Downtown Los Angeles, including of notable nearby arts and cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, and the Music Center. It is uniquely designed around a central courtyard enclosed by glass walls, allowing natural light and fresh air to permeate each residence. At night, this courtyard transforms into a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights, creating an inviting ambiance for residents and visitors alike.
Adjacent to the residential tower, the Conrad Los Angeles Hotel tower boasts a grand atrium lobby accessible to the public, complemented by several acclaimed restaurants and bars, including by renowned chef José Andrés. The complex is thoughtfully integrated into Bunker Hill’s urban fabric, preserving lush green spaces around the buildings despite the dense city environment.
Aerial photo showing the freshly excavated foundation pit for The Grand LA, contrasting the raw construction site with the polished Walt Disney Concert Hall nearby.
Aerial Photography of the Grand LA Construction Process
The benefit of using aerial photography to document the Grand LA apartment construction is that it allows for the capture of the construction progress over time. Aerial images taken at regular intervals allow project managers to compare stages side-by-side, quickly identifying any discrepancies or delays, and helping teams to manage their budgets and timelines effectively. Beyond progress tracking, aerial photography plays a key role in spotting potential issues early in the construction of large complexes, allowing for a proactive approach to mitigate costly repairs or replacements. It also proves a time-stamped photo record, in case of any legal issues that may arise during the construction process.
High-altitude aerial photo showing the substantial vertical progress of The Grand LA towers, as the project enters the late stages of construction, located across from to the iconic curved steel of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Phases of Construction
The construction of The Grand LA apartment complex unfolded in several carefully planned phases, each marked by significant progress and distinct transformations to the site.
Earthmoving operations reveal the vast scale of excavation preparing the site for underground parking and foundations beside the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Excavation Phase
The initial phase involves extensive excavation work to prepare the site’s foundation. This critical step includes clearing the former parking lot and digging deep to accommodate the underground parking and foundational supports. The aerial photography from this phase reveals the vast scale of earth-moving operations and the initial shaping of the city block where the complex will ultimately rise.
Two tower cranes dominate the site as the first concrete foundations and vertical support columns mark the transition from excavation to building at The Grand LA apartment construction project.
Foundation Preparation
After the excavation phase clears the site and shapes the city block, the foundation preparation can begin, establishing a solid base for The Grand LA’s towering structures. This stage involves laying deep concrete footings and installing reinforced steel rebar to ensure the buildings’ stability and longevity. The aerial views during this phase reveal a meticulous grid of foundation work, with crews coordinating to pour vast amounts of concrete and secure the base for both the residential tower and Conrad Los Angeles Hotel.
This critical step also includes the construction of underground parking facilities and essential infrastructure such as utility connections and drainage systems. The precision and scale of the foundation preparation sets the groundwork for the complex’s subsequent vertical rise, reflecting the careful planning and engineering required to support Frank Gehry’s innovative architectural design in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
The Grand LA construction progresses with steel and concrete frameworks of the two mixed-use towers rising to mid-level heights, revealing the complex, multi-tiered design shaping the downtown Los Angeles skyline.
Core Construction Phase
Following excavation, the core construction phase begins, characterized by the erecting of the towers’ structural cores. Tower cranes dominate the project as steel and concrete frameworks take shape, defining the iconic forms designed by Frank Gehry. Aerial images from this phase highlight the vertical growth of the residential tower and Conrad Hotel, showcasing the complexity and scale of the build in Downtown Los Angeles.
Aerial photograph showing The Grand LA nearing completion, with exterior cladding underway on lower floors, as the towering structure integrates into the vibrant fabric of the Grand Avenue Arts District.
Final Construction and Completion
The final phase sees the completion of the towers’ exteriors and the finishing of retail areas, public spaces, and landscaping. This phase brings the project to life, integrating world-class architecture with vibrant public spaces and lush green terraces. Aerial photos from this stage capture the fully constructed complex in all its glory, set against the backdrop of nearby cultural institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad Museum.
The completed Grand LA complex showcases Frank Gehry's vision with sleek glass towers, terraced podiums, and integrated pools, creating a dynamic centerpiece on Grand Avenue.
The Grand LA apartment construction stands as a visionary public-private partnership that aims to revitalize downtown LA’s cultural and civic core. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this iconic development features the Grand by Gehry residential tower alongside the Conrad Los Angeles Hotel, seamlessly integrating world-class architecture with vibrant public spaces. With over 164,000 square feet of retail space anchored by chef-driven restaurants and shops, the complex enriches the Grand Avenue Arts Corridor and complements nearby cultural institutions such as Disney Hall, the Broad Museum, and the Colburn School of Music. The Grand LA not only offers luxurious residences and premium amenities but also fosters a thriving community through its vibrant public plaza, open terraces, and special events. As a cornerstone of downtown LA’s transformation, The Grand LA exemplifies innovative design and sustainable urban living, setting a new standard for contemporary art, culture, and lifestyle in the heart of the city.