Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles is the tallest building in California and a defining feature of the Downtown skyline. This profile explains its design, ownership, leasing activity, and operational details, with verified data useful for commercial real estate research. Completed in 1989, the tower serves as a major regional headquarters and reflects late-20th-century corporate architecture in the city.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Official Name | Bank of America Plaza | Property records |
| Address | 555 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA | Owner disclosures |
| Height | 1,018 feet (310 meters) | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |
| Floors | 73 stories | Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat |
| Completion Year | 1989 | Permit and occupancy records |
| Architect | César Pelli & Associates | Project documentation |
| Main Owner | Broadway Partners Fund Manager, LLC | County deed records |
| Notable Tenant | Bank of America California headquarters | Corporate occupancy filings |
Overview and Context
Bank of America Plaza is a commercial skyscraper located at 555 South Flower Street in the Bunker Hill district of Downtown Los Angeles. It ranks as the tallest building in California by structural height and among the tallest in the United States. Designed by César Pelli & Associates and completed in 1989, the tower was developed to accommodate large corporate tenants, notably Bank of America. Its form and scale reflect the late-1980s trend of dense, high-rise urban centers in major U.S. cities. The building is zoned for commercial office use and is integrated into the public street grid, with direct access to public transit nearby.
Architecture and Design
Structural Design and Facade
The tower employs a modern structural system, featuring a reinforced concrete core with a steel frame. Its facade combines glass curtain wall with precast concrete elements, creating a distinctive vertical rhythm. The stepped crown and spire contribute to its recognizable silhouette on the Los Angeles skyline. At night, a system of architectural lighting highlights its form, making it a visible landmark from many vantage points in the city.
Interior Planning and Standards
The interior includes approximately 1.5 million square feet of leasable space across 73 floors. Typical floor plates are designed to accommodate large tenants with open layouts and core-adjacent configurations. The building meets modern standards for office building infrastructure, including raised floors, daylighting where possible, and multiple passenger elevators. Common areas are designed in a contemporary corporate aesthetic, with attention to materials and wayfinding.
Ownership and Management
The property is currently owned by Broadway Partners Fund Manager, LLC, a real estate investment and management platform. Day-to-day operations and leasing are handled by the asset management team, supported by third-party property management providers. The ownership structure has remained stable for several years, supporting consistent capital investment in building improvements and tenant services.
Tenant Profile and Leasing Activity
Key Tenants
- Bank of America California headquarters and regional offices
- Professional services firms, including law and consulting practices
- Technology and financial services companies with regional operations
Recent Leasing Highlights
Over the past several years, the building has seen a mix of renewals and new technology and financial services tenants. Leasing activity typically involves mid to large-scale leases, often ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of square feet. Pro-tenant incentives have occasionally included concessions on tenant improvement allowances and rent abatement periods.
Operational Performance
The building maintains high occupancy relative to the Downtown market average, supported by its size, location, and brand recognition. Operating expenses reflect the costs of running a large Class A asset, including security, maintenance, and building systems upgrades. The owner has invested in energy-efficiency measures and digital infrastructure to support modern workplace needs.
Market Position and Comparison
Within Los Angeles, Bank of America Plaza competes with other major skyscrapers such as U.S. Bank Tower and the Wilshire Grand Center. The table below summarizes key attributes for context.
| Metric | Bank of America Plaza | U.S. Bank Tower | Wilshire Grand Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height (feet) | 1,018 | 1,018 | 1,100 |
| Floors | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| Completion Year | 1989 | 1989 | 2017 |
| Primary Use | Office | Office | Hotel / Office |
| Ownership | Broadway Partners | Grubb & Ellis / Others | Grand Properties |
Location and Access
The site is positioned at the southeast edge of Downtown, near the interchange of major streets and close to public transit options. Surrounding land uses include a mix of office, cultural, and hospitality uses. The building is accessible by car, with parking structures in the vicinity, and within walking distance of light rail stations used by regional commuters and visitors.
Community and Environment
Bank of America Plaza participates in local initiatives related to energy efficiency and building performance. The asset has implemented upgrades to reduce electricity use, manage peak demand, and improve indoor environmental quality. These measures align with broader citywide efforts to reduce emissions from large commercial buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the height of Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles? The structure rises 1,018 feet and is the tallest building in California.
- Who owns Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles? The tower is owned by Broadway Partners Fund Manager, LLC.
- When was Bank of America Plaza completed? The building was completed in 1989.
- Who is the primary tenant? Bank of America serves as a major tenant, with its California headquarters in the building.
- Is the building LEED certified? The building incorporates energy- and water-efficiency measures consistent with modern operational standards.
Conclusion
Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles remains a prominent example of late-20th-century commercial high-rise design in California. Its continuous occupancy, stable ownership, and significant height distinguish it within the regional and national building stock. For professionals in commercial real estate, the property represents an established asset with a long track record of performance.