Much of downtown’s gentrification during the last ten years has involved preserving the past, not tearing it down. Not so for the Wilshire Grand. The 896-room hotel is checking out this month after a nearly 60-year stay. It opened in 1952 as the Los Angeles Statler and has hosted governors, presidents, and performers like Tony Bennett and Xavier Cugat. A 45-story luxury hotel and adjoining 65-story office tower will take its place—the tower will be the second-tallest building in L.A. The project is being financed by a subsidiary of Korean Air. Maybe Tony Bennett can sing at the grand opening.
