Downtown Los Angeles isn't just a cluster of skyscrapers; it's a graveyard of architectural egos and a map of corporate shifts. If you've ever stood on Wilshire Boulevard and looked up, you've seen it. That massive, white, rectangular monolith that looks like it was carved out of a single block of marble. That’s the Aon Center.
People call it the Aon building Los Angeles all the time, but locals and real estate nerds know it has a much deeper history than just a naming rights deal.
Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle it stands there today looking as pristine as it does. Completed in 1973, it held the title of the tallest building in the world—well, specifically the tallest building west of the Mississippi—until the Library Tower (now the US Bank Tower) stole the crown in 1989. It was originally the United California Bank Building. Then it became First Interstate Tower. Now? It’s the Aon Center. But for anyone who was in LA in the late 80s, this building represents something much darker and more significant than just office space. It represents a turning point in skyscraper safety and urban resilience.
The Night the Tower Burned
Most people look at the Aon Center today and see a boring corporate box. They're wrong. On May 4, 1988, this building was the site of the worst high-rise fire in Los Angeles history.
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It started on the 12th floor.
It was just after 10:00 PM. A fire ignited in a technical room and, because the building was undergoing a sprinkler system installation that wasn't yet active, the flames went wild. It was terrifying. The fire gutted five floors. It literally melted the glass and aluminum skin of the building. Firefighters had to climb stairs while carrying 60 pounds of gear because the elevators were death traps. One person, a maintenance worker, sadly lost their life.
The images from that night are burned into the memory of the city. You had flames shooting out of the side of a skyscraper like a torch, lighting up the entire DTLA skyline. When you walk past 707 Wilshire Boulevard now, you’d never know. The restoration was so seamless that the building looks brand new. But that fire changed everything. It’s the reason why modern fire codes in LA are so insanely strict. If you enjoy working in a high-rise that actually has functioning sprinklers and pressurized stairwells, you can thank the lessons learned from the Aon building fire.
Why 707 Wilshire Still Matters in a Remote-Work World
Let's talk business. The real estate market in Downtown LA is, frankly, a mess right now. With the rise of hybrid work, massive towers are seeing vacancies climb. Yet, the Aon Center persists.
Why?
It’s about the "Trophy" status. In the world of commercial real estate (CRE), buildings are graded. This is a Class A property. It’s got 62 stories and over a million square feet of space. When Shorenstein Properties bought it back in 2014 for $268.5 million, it was a massive bet on the continued relevance of the Wilshire corridor.
But then 2023 happened.
The building sold again, and this time, the price tag sent shockwaves through the industry. Carolwood Equities picked it up for about $147.8 million. If you're doing the math, yeah, that’s a massive haircut from the previous valuation. Roughly $134 per square foot. In 2014, it was over $250. This isn't just some random data point; it’s a glaring indicator of how much the LA office market has shifted. The Aon building Los Angeles is currently a case study for every REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) and developer in the country on how to price "distressed" office assets in a post-pandemic economy.
Design, Granite, and the "Bronze" Aesthetic
Charles Luckman was the architect. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he was a legend. He did the Theme Building at LAX and Madison Square Garden in New York. Luckman wasn't interested in the curvy, glass-curtain walls that define modern "starchitecture." He wanted something that looked permanent.
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The building is clad in white North Carolina granite. Up close, it’s imposing. From a distance, it looks like a beacon.
Inside, the lobby is surprisingly airy for a building of its era. It’s got this timeless, mid-century modern professional vibe that hasn't aged as poorly as some of its 70s neighbors. The floor plates are large, which is why law firms and insurance giants like Aon love it. You can fit a whole lot of cubicles or executive offices on a single level without feeling like you're in a labyrinth.
- Height: 858 feet ($261.5$ meters).
- Floor Count: 62 floors above ground.
- Parking: A massive underground garage that is basically a city unto itself.
- Renovations: Constant. You can't let a building like this sit still.
What’s wild is the roof. Most people don't realize the Aon Center has a helipad. In fact, for a long time, LA had a "flat roof" rule because of fire safety (another legacy of the Aon fire), requiring helipads on every skyscraper. This is why the LA skyline looks "flat" compared to the spires of New York or Chicago. The Aon Center is the quintessential example of this "top-down" flat design.
The Tenant Mix and the Economic Engine
Aon, the global professional services firm, is obviously the anchor. They provide everything from risk management to health solutions. Having their name on the top is a branding flex. But the building is a vertical ecosystem.
You’ve got a mix of tenants:
- Legal powerhouses that need to be near the courts.
- Tech startups that want the "prestige" address without the Silicon Beach prices.
- Consulates and international trade offices.
- Logistics firms that handle the heavy lifting for the Port of Los Angeles.
It’s not just a place where people type on laptops. It’s a hub for international commerce. When the Aon building Los Angeles sees high occupancy, DTLA thrives. When it doesn't, the coffee shops on Hope Street and the bars on 7th feel the pinch. The building has a direct correlation with the "street life" of the Financial District.
Comparing the Giants: Aon vs. Wilshire Grand
You can't talk about Aon without mentioning the Wilshire Grand Center, which is just a few blocks away. The Wilshire Grand is taller (thanks to that spire) and looks like a futuristic sail.
Aon is the "Old Guard."
While the Wilshire Grand has the InterContinental hotel and a fancy sky lobby, the Aon Center is pure business. It doesn't try to be a tourist destination. It doesn't have a glass slide on the side like the US Bank Tower used to. It’s a workhorse. There’s a certain respect for that in an era where every new building tries to be an "experience." Sometimes, a building just needs to be a really good place to get work done.
What Most People Get Wrong About 707 Wilshire
There's a common misconception that the building is "empty" because of the recent low sale price. That’s a fundamental misunderstanding of commercial real estate. A low sale price often reflects the debt structure and the market's interest rates, not necessarily a lack of tenants.
The Aon Center actually maintains a decent occupancy rate compared to some of its neighbors. The new owners, Carolwood, aren't looking to tear it down or turn it into condos. They’re betting that by buying it at a lower "basis" (the cost of entry), they can offer more competitive rents than the guys who bought at the peak of the market. It’s a smart play. It keeps the building competitive.
Another myth? That it’s haunted because of the fire.
Look, I’ve talked to people who work late nights on the 12th and 13th floors. Aside from the usual creaks and groans of a massive steel structure settling as the temperature drops, there’s nothing "spooky" about it. It’s a bright, modern, and highly secure facility. The security downstairs is intense—don't expect to just wander in and head to the roof for a selfie.
Future Outlook: Sustainability and Survival
The biggest challenge for the Aon building Los Angeles moving forward isn't the competition. It's the climate.
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California's Title 24 energy requirements are no joke. Older buildings consume massive amounts of energy for HVAC and lighting. To stay relevant, the Aon Center has undergone significant retrofitting. LED lighting, smart elevators that group people by floor to save energy, and high-efficiency water systems are the new standard.
The "white" exterior actually helps here. It reflects a significant amount of solar heat compared to darker glass towers, which helps keep cooling costs down during those brutal 100-degree September days in the basin.
Navigating the Area Around Aon
If you're visiting or have an interview at the Aon Center, don't just stay in the lobby. The surrounding blocks are some of the best in DTLA.
- The Bloc: Right across the way. Great open-air shopping and a Macy's that actually feels modern.
- 7th Street Corridor: This is where the food is. Bottega Louie is a short walk away if you want fancy macarons and a loud, bustling atmosphere.
- Commuting: It’s arguably one of the most accessible buildings in the city. The 7th St/Metro Center station is right there. You can get there from Santa Monica, Long Beach, or Pasadena without ever touching a steering wheel.
Actionable Insights for Professionals and Investors
If you are looking at the Aon Center from a business perspective, here is the reality of the situation.
For Potential Tenants:
Now is the time to negotiate. The recent sale price of the building gives the owners room to play with lease terms. If you've wanted a Class A office in DTLA but thought it was out of reach, the "reset" of the Aon building’s valuation has changed the math. Ask for tenant improvement (TI) allowances—they want to fill those floors.
For Real Estate Observers:
Watch the "Price per Square Foot" metric for the surrounding buildings like the Gas Company Tower. The Aon sale set a "floor" for the market. If other buildings start selling for even less, we’re looking at a complete systemic shift in DTLA. If they sell for more, Aon was a steal.
For Architecture Buffs:
Take the time to walk the perimeter. Look at the way the granite meets the sidewalk. It’s a masterclass in 1970s corporate monumentalism. It’s a style we likely won't see again, as developers move toward lighter, cheaper materials.
The Aon Center isn't just a building; it's a survivor. It survived the 1988 fire, it survived the 2008 financial crisis, and it's currently navigating the most complex office market in a century. It stands as a reminder that in Los Angeles, even the most "boring" rectangular tower has a story of fire, finance, and rebirth behind it. Keep your eyes on 707 Wilshire. It usually tells you exactly where the city is headed next.