Larry Silverstein never bought the US Bank Tower

Larry Silverstein, the developer who rebuilt the World Trade Center site in New York, has no ownership stake in the US Bank Tower in Los Angeles. The tower has had different owners since its completion in 1989, but Silverstein was not among them. This confusion sometimes arises because Silverstein is a prominent real estate figure, but his major holdings are concentrated on the East Coast, particularly in Manhattan.

The US Bank Tower (originally called the Library Tower when it opened) was developed by Maguire Properties and designed by architect César Pelli. It stands at 633 South Hope Street in downtown Los Angeles and remains one of the tallest buildings west of the Mississippi River. Understanding who actually owns major commercial properties requires looking at public records and deed transfers, which show a clear chain of ownership that does not include Silverstein.

Key Takeaways

  • Larry Silverstein did not purchase the US Bank Tower at any point in its history.
  • The tower was developed by Maguire Properties and completed in 1989 as the Library Tower.
  • Silverstein's major real estate projects are located in New York, particularly the rebuilt World Trade Center complex.
  • Public property records and ownership transfers show no connection between Silverstein and the US Bank Tower.

Who actually developed and owned the US Bank Tower

Maguire Properties, a Los Angeles-based real estate company, developed the US Bank Tower and brought it to completion in 1989. The building was originally called the Library Tower because it sits above the Los Angeles Public Library. Maguire Properties held the property for decades and managed it as a major office tower in downtown Los Angeles.

In 2014, the building was sold to Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE), a Singapore-based real estate investment company. OUE held the property and continued operating it as a premium office and observation deck destination. The tower's ownership has remained with OUE since that transaction, making it a foreign-held asset rather than part of any major American developer's portfolio.

Larry Silverstein's actual real estate holdings

Silverstein's primary focus has been New York real estate, particularly in lower Manhattan. He is best known for his role in rebuilding the World Trade Center site after the September 11 attacks. Through Silverstein Properties, he developed One World Trade Center (the Freedom Tower), Three World Trade Center, and Four World Trade Center, along with other commercial properties in the area.

Silverstein also owns and operates other office buildings in Manhattan, including properties on Park Avenue and other prime locations. His company manages a portfolio concentrated in New York City, not in Los Angeles or other West Coast markets. His involvement in major real estate development has been almost entirely focused on the Northeast.

Why this confusion might exist

Silverstein's prominence in real estate and his high-profile role rebuilding the World Trade Center make him a recognizable name in commercial property development. When people search for information about major towers or significant real estate transactions, Silverstein's name sometimes appears in results because of his overall prominence in the industry. This can create an incorrect association with properties he does not own.

Additionally, the US Bank Tower itself has been a notable building in discussions about tall structures, observation decks, and major commercial real estate. When multiple topics intersect in online searches, readers may incorrectly connect unrelated figures to unrelated properties. Checking public records and deed transfers is the only reliable way to confirm actual ownership of any commercial property.

How to verify actual property ownership

If you need to confirm who owns a specific building, Los Angeles County Assessor records are publicly available online. The county assessor maintains a searchable database that shows the current owner of record for any property in the county, along with assessed value and parcel information. You can search by address or parcel number.

The Los Angeles County Recorder's office also maintains deed records that show the history of ownership transfers. These documents are public record and can be searched online or requested in person. For the US Bank Tower specifically, these records clearly show the chain of ownership from Maguire Properties through to OUE, with no involvement by Silverstein or his companies at any point.

Other major towers and their actual owners

Los Angeles has several other iconic tall buildings with different ownership structures. The Wilshire Grand Center, completed in 2017, is owned by the Wilshire Grand Center Partners, which includes Korean and American investors. The Aon Center is owned by Aon plc and other institutional investors. Each major tower has its own distinct ownership history that can be traced through public records.

Understanding who owns major commercial properties matters for investors, tenants, and people interested in real estate development. Public records make this information accessible, and checking those records is far more reliable than relying on assumptions or incomplete information found online. For any property, the county assessor and recorder offices provide the definitive answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Larry Silverstein own any buildings in Los Angeles?

Silverstein's real estate portfolio is concentrated in New York City. While his company may have minor investments elsewhere, his major holdings and development projects are in Manhattan. He is not known as a significant property owner in Los Angeles or California generally.

Who can I contact if I have questions about US Bank Tower ownership?

The Los Angeles County Assessor's office can provide current ownership information. OUE, the current owner, also has public contact information for inquiries about the building. The building's management office can direct questions to the appropriate department.

When did the US Bank Tower change ownership from Maguire Properties?

Maguire Properties sold the US Bank Tower to Overseas Union Enterprise (OUE) in 2014. This was a significant transaction in Los Angeles real estate, moving the property from local to international ownership. OUE has held the property since that sale.

Is the US Bank Tower still operating as an office building?

Yes, the US Bank Tower continues to function as a major office building in downtown Los Angeles. It also operates the Skyspace LA observation deck on its upper floors, which is open to the public. The building remains one of the most recognizable structures in the Los Angeles skyline.