LA's tallest tower to open observation deck

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The tallest building west of the Mississippi River will have an observation deck for the general public, providing a view from 1,018 feet up.

The U.S. Bank Tower's observation deck will be on the 69th and 70th floors. Builders are creating a restaurant on the 71st floor.

Richard Stockton, CEO of OUE Ltd. of the Americas, is running the project. He said when his company bought the building last year, they did not intend to build an observation deck.

"We were being approached every day by people turning up and saying, 'Can we go to the top?' And we ran some numbers and it turned out actually it was a good business proposition for us," said Stockton.

OUE is investing $50 million to renovate the building. As part of that, the company will completely transform the lobby and upgrade facilities.

Stockton said there will soon be some sort of "thrill experience" at the U.S. Bank Tower, but didn't specify what it was.

Construction is underway nearby at the Wilshire Grand. It intends to be even higher than the U.S. Bank Tower and also contain an observation deck.

"I think the downtown renaissance is a real thing," Stockton said.

Stockton expects the observation deck will open in April and admission will cost $20-$25.