PROPERTY HISTORY
Starting in 2012, the property at the site of the former Wilshire Grand Hotel will be cleared to make way for a visionary new hotel and mixed-use building. Under the leadership of Korean Air, the developer of the project, the new building will revitalize the property and allow the site to continue being the indelible landmark it has always been. Doors will open to L.A. and the world in 2017, building upon the Wilshire Grand’s rich history. Here is a look back at the life of this iconic building and preview of its future.
- May 22, 1950 - The city issues a building permit for $15,000,000, the largest single permit the city had ever issued at the time for the construction of what would be Hotel Statler.
- July 5, 1950 - Groundbreaking for the hotel project takes place.
- August 6, 1952 - The hotel officially opens.
- October 27, 1952 - A grander public opening occurs with dignitaries present to celebrate the newest hotel of downtown. Ronald Reagan served as Master of Ceremonies. He was joined by Governor Earl Warren and Mayor Fletcher Bowron were both on-hand to speak, as were hundreds of business leaders.
- 1954 - Hilton Hotels buys the 8-hotel Statler chain and the hotel becomes the Statler Hilton.
- July 1960 - President Kennedy stays at the hotel during the Democratic Convention, where he accepts the Democratic Nomination for President.
- 1968 - Statler Hilton becomes Los Angeles Hilton, after a $2.5 million renovation project.
- August 1983- Reliance Group purchases the hotel for $70 million
- Late 1984 - Reliance Group invests $30 million in hotel renovations.
- 1987 - Pope John Paul II stays at the hotel during his L.A. visit.
- November, 1989 - Korean Air purchases Los Angeles Hilton & Tower.
- February, 1995 - New contract with Omni USA begins.
- February, 1999 - Omni Hotel changes name to Wilshire Grand Hotel.
- October 23, 2012 - Deconstruction of the Wilshire Grand begins. It will make way for the iconic new project that will be built at the site.
- February 7, 2013 - Design of the new Wilshire Grand unveiled.
- 2017 - Doors opened on the new building in June 2017
