FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CRL-U.S. Aluminum Supplies Custom Architectural Glazing Systems to Expansive Metropolis Development in Downtown Los Angeles

Glazing Systems Were Designed to Meet the Code, Schedule, and
Aesthetic Requirements of the Project

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 22, 2017 – One of the latest additions to the Downtown Los Angeles skyline is Metropolis—an expansive mixed-use development aimed at redefining luxury urban living. Developed by Greenland USA and designed by Gensler, Metropolis encompasses 6.3 acres of real estate, and features three residential towers, a hotel, a 60,000 sq. ft. retail pavilion, and high-end restaurants. Webcor Construction was the general contractor on the project, and CRL-U.S. Aluminum supplied a wide variety of architectural glazing systems to help improve the function, safety, and aesthetics of the new, ultramodern complex.

Photos: Geoff Captain

The main entryways on the lower levels feature iconic “all-glass” entrances that utilize CRL DRS Door Rails and CRL-Blumcraft® Panic Handles. DRS Door Rails provide clean, uninterrupted glass spans that complement the overall contemporary aesthetic. They also incorporate the company’s patented Wedge-Lock® technology, which produces exceptional glass holding power and a faster installation time. The accompanying Blumcraft Panic Handles’ elegant and slim tubular design maximizes views. Because they’re UL classified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2001 Grade 1, it makes them appropriately specified for Metropolis due to the high foot traffic it’s expected to attract.

Like most new developments, Metropolis faced a strict construction schedule, particularly because of its urban setting. Both DRS Door Rails and Blumcraft Panic Handles offered rapid customization and short lead times to expedite the project.

John Barajas, Project Manager at Trulite, the glass supplier, had this to say about the products: “For as long as we’ve been using CRL Door Rails and Panic Handles, the process of assembling entrances has been quick and easy. We normally receive their hardware within the week and are able to assemble doors in less than an hour.”

Hotel Indigo is Metropolis’ flagship luxury hotel, offering in-demand amenities and services. Its grand staircase features CRL’s GRS Laminated Guardrail System, which was installed by BAPKO Metal. With its clean sightlines and minimal hardware, the guardrail system improves transparency and light flow while increasing safety. It also incorporates LED handrails for added function and visual appeal.

The CRL GRS Guardrail System complies with 2015 IBC Section 2407. It also incorporates the first and only ICC-ESR approved base shoe system. This proved a critical reason as to why the GRS Guardrail System was specified Basis of Design—the ICC-ESR approval satisfied the stringent Los Angeles Department of Building Safety LARR requirements.

In addition to the GRS Guardrail product installed in Hotel Indigo, CRL supplied 6,500 linear feet of GRS Base Shoe that was used across residential towers one, two, and three.

The swimming pool at Hotel Indigo offers impressive views of Downtown LA. To maximize comfort and safety for guests, the pool area is protected by a custom-fabricated CRL glass windscreen system. Installed by Azurelite, the system features stainless steel posts that are highly resistant to the elements, and an integrated gate for code-compliant access.


Bathrooms in select hotel suites and residential apartments feature frameless shower door hardware from CRL. Suites also feature the company’s Top-Hung Sliding Glass Door System. The custom-engineered system acts as a versatile glass wall that separates the living and sleeping areas, while adding contemporary elegance to the space.

“A project of this magnitude required precise coordination between the architect, general contractor, and multiple glazing subcontractors. We are proud that they relied on CRL systems for a significant portion of the glazing scope,” said Chris Hanstad, Vice President of Architectural Sales at CRL-U.S. Aluminum. “We had the comprehensive product line and manufacturing capacity to provide the customized, single-source solutions needed to meet the project’s schedule, code requirements, and design intent.”

Metropolis has received several industry accolades. ENR California named it 2017 Best Project: Residential/Hospitality. It was also a Los Angeles Business Council Architectural Award winner. For more information on Metropolis, visit metropolislosangeles.com. For more information on CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s line of architectural glazing systems, call (800) 421-6144 or visit crl-arch.com.


About CRL-U.S. Aluminum
CRL-U.S. Aluminum is an ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturer and distributor of glazing systems with over 60 years of experience in the industry. The company is a leading supplier to the glazing, architectural, construction, and automotive industries, with service centers located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. With rapid customization capabilities, robust stock inventories, and a worldwide distribution network, CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s single-source model delivers one of the shortest lead times in the marketplace. For more information, call (800) 421-6144 or email askus@crlaurence.com. Glaziers may also visit crlaurence.com. Architects and specifiers, visit crl-arch.com.

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Hi-Res Images:

C.R. Laurence
2503 E. Vernon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA  90058