Glass Spans Mixed-Use Development

Arecent addition to the downtown Los Angeles skyline is Metropolis—an expansive mixed-use development aimed at redefi ning luxury urban living. 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. CRL-U.S. Aluminum, Los Angeles, supplied a wide variety of architectural glazing systems to help improve the function, safety, and aesthetics of the ultramodern complex.

The main entryways on the lower levels feature iconic all-glass entrances that use CRL DRS door rails and CRL-Blumcraft panic handles. The 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 excellent glass-holding power and provides a faster installation time. The accompanying panic handles’ slim, tubular design maximizes views. The handles are UL classified to ANSI/ BHMA A156.3-2001 Grade 1, making them appropriately specified for Metropolis due to the high foot traffic expected.

Like most new developments, Metropolis faced a strict construction schedule, particularly because of its urban setting. The door rails and panic handles offered rapid customization and short lead times to expedite the project.

Hotel Indigo is Metropolis’ flagship luxury hotel, offering in-demand amenities and services. Its grand staircase features the GRS laminated guardrail system. With its clean sightlines and minimal hardware, the system improves transparency and light flow while increasing safety. It also incorporates LED handrails for added function and visual appeal. The system complies with 2015 IBC Section 2407 and also incorporates an ICC-ESR-approved base shoe system. The ICC-ESR approval satisfied the stringent Los Angeles Department of Building Safety LARR requirements.

In addition to the 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 hotel swimming pool provides impressive views of downtown L.A. To maximize comfort and safety for guests, the pool area is protected by a custom-fabricated CRL glass windscreen system. The system features stainless-steel posts resistant to the elements, and an integrated gate for code-compliant access.

Bathrooms in select hotel suites and residential apartments use frameless shower-door hardware from CRL.

A project of this magnitude required precise coordination between the architect, general contractor, and multiple glazing subcontractors,” 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.” CA

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Materials Span Mixed-Use Development Glazing systems, accessories meet project code, schedule, and aesthetic.

Clockwise from left.

Metropolis, in downtown Los Angeles, is an expansive mixeduse development with Hotel Indigo as the fl agship. Photos: Geoff Captain

Hotel Indigo’s grand staircase features a GRS laminated guardrail system. Clean sightlines and minimal hardware improve transparency and light fl ow while increasing safety.

Main entryways on the lower levels have all-glass entrances where door rails provide clean, uninterrupted glass spans that complement the overall contemporary aesthetic.