FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE C.R. Laurence Supplies Custom Glass Entrance Systems for the Monumental Wilshire Grand Tower in Downtown Los Angeles
CRL All-Glass Entrances and Panic Devices Utilized in Every Major Entry Point to the Iconic Building

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 6, 2017 – The ever-evolving Downtown Los Angeles skyline has a prominent new addition–Wilshire Grand. At 1100 feet and 73 stories, it’s the tallest building on the West Coast and had spent over 20 years in the planning stage. It’s host to upscale restaurants, Class A office spaces, and the luxurious InterContinental Hotel. Designed by AC Martin, Wilshire Grand will act as a dynamic new epicenter for urban activity. The general contractor on the project was Turner Construction.

A distinct feature of Wilshire Grand is its glass facade, which stands in stark contrast to the predominantly concrete-themed buildings that surround it. Maintaining this identity was critical to the project. No detail is too small when contributing to a $1.35 billion skyscraper; therefore, to complement its design, C.R. Laurence (CRL-U.S. Aluminum) supplied all-glass entrance systems. Benson Industries, the glazing contractor, installed the CRL-U.S. Aluminum systems in every first floor entryway. This includes over 70 doors that activate the lively street level. The company also provided its GRS Glass Railing System to help increase function and safety in select areas. Railing was installed by BAGS, Inc.

The CRL-U.S. Aluminum entrance systems consist of the company’s DRS Door Rails and Blumcraft® Panic Handles, and of glass supplied by Trulite. DRS Door Rails produce clean, uninterrupted glass spans and incorporate patented Wedge-Lock® technology. They can be installed considerably faster than other door rail systems. Door rail assemblies can be ready for installation in less than 10 minutes. DRS Door Rails can also be rapidly customized, thus delivering short lead times. This was important due to Wilshire Grand’s strict construction schedule.

Blumcraft Panic Handles offer premium visuals and a sleek tubular design that provides unobstructed views. Blumcraft patented the original tubular panic handle, making it a trusted industry brand. Because they’re UL classified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2001 Grade 1, Blumcraft Panic Handles are exceptionally durable and can accommodate the substantial amount of visitor traffic that Wilshire Grand will draw. Like DRS Door Rails, Blumcraft Panic Handles offer rapid customization and short lead times.



CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s entrance systems act as principal access points to Wilshire Grand. The systems met the function, performance, and aesthetic goals of the new, high-profile urban epicenter. They extend the striking all-glass visuals to the ground floor and serve to engage passersby with unobstructed views into the building’s interior.

“For high profile and distinguished projects like Wilshire Grand, every detail matters. Designers and owners are looking for entrance systems that combine elegance and security,” said Al Eini, Brand Manager of Architectural Hardware. “Our ability to meet these expectations with a highly customizable solution has secured the C.R. Laurence and Blumcraft brands in the most demanding specifications.”

Wilshire Grand was the recipient of Los Angeles Business Council’s Design Concept Award. For more information, visit wilshiregrandcenter.com. For more information on CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s line of glass entrance systems, call (800) 421-6144 ext. 17700 or visit crl-arch.com.



About CRL-U.S. Aluminum
CRL-U.S. Aluminum is a premier 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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C.R. Laurence
2503 E. Vernon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA  90058