2404 Wilshire Blvd #12A, Los Angeles, CA 90057

The American Cement Building on Wilshire Boulevard was built to showcase the strength, construction advantages, and architectural possibilities of concrete. A better showcase for the humble material cannot be found, as this building is both a triumph of structural engineering and a monumental piece of sculptural art. Completed in 1961 the buildings most striking feature is the enormous latticework of 450 precast concrete "X"s covering its north and south facades like an exoskeleton. While sculptural in nature and visually striking, the primary purpose of the latticework is to provide external support for the structural system so the building's interior can be free of columns. The resulting interior features high ceilings and large, open floors with expansive views across the city (through a dramatic series of "X"s, of course). In 2002, the American Cement building was rehabilitated into seventy-one live/work lofts. Its exterior remains unaltered, an enduring testament to the power and, dare we say it, the beauty of concrete. The tenant establishes power and cable/utilities in the tenants name. The remaining utilities are divided among the tenants and included on their rent statement.