Wilshire Federal Building, Federal office skyscraper in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, United States
The Wilshire Federal Building is a 17-story office tower standing about 261 feet tall, featuring white vertical fins and black panels that define its appearance on the Los Angeles skyline. The structure houses multiple federal agencies and reflects a rational, modernist design approach.
The building was completed in 1969 on land that previously held a veterans home, marking a shift in Los Angeles architectural development. Its design emerged during a transition from earlier modern styles to a different phase of contemporary architecture.
The building has become a gathering place where people assemble to express concerns about social issues and political matters. Its exterior serves as a backdrop for public discourse and citizen participation in the democratic process.
The tower is easily visible from a distance and serves as a landmark in the Sawtelle area of West Los Angeles. Visitors should be aware that certain areas are restricted to federal employees and those with official clearance.
The structure was engineered with Cold War security considerations in mind, capable of accommodating far more occupants than the daily workforce in emergency scenarios. These design features reflect the safety concerns of the era when it was built.
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