Glazing Gives Downtown LA Added Glitz

Developed by Greenland USA and designed by Gensler, 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. A wide variety of architectural glazing systems were needed to help improve the function, safety and aesthetics of the new, ultramodern complex.

The main entryways on the lower levels feature iconic “all-glass” entrances that utilize CRL-U.S. Aluminum DRS Door Rails and CRL-Blumcraft Panic Handles. DRS 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 exceptional glass holding power and a faster installation time. The accompanying Blumcraft Panic Handles’ elegant and slim tubular design maximizes views. Because they’re UL classified to ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2001 Grade 1, it makes them appropriately specified for Metropolis due to the high-foot traffic it’s expected to attract.

Hotel Indigo is Metropolis’ flagship luxury hotel, offering in-demand amenities and services. Its grand staircase features CRL’s GRS Laminated Guardrail System, which was installed by BAPKO Metal. With its clean sightlines and minimal hardware, the guardrail system improves transparency and light flow while increasing safety. It also incorporates LED handrails for added function and visual appeal. The CRL GRS Guardrail System complies with 2015 IBC Section 2407. It also incorporates the first and only ICC-ESR approved base shoe system. This proved a critical reason as to why the GRS Guardrail System was specified Basis of Design—the ICC-ESR approval satisfied the stringent Los Angeles Dept. of Building Safety LARR requirements.

In addition to the GRS Guardrail product installed in Hotel Indigo, CRL supplied 6,500 lin. ft. of GRS Base Shoe that was used across residential towers one, two and three.

The swimming pool at Hotel Indigo offers impressive views of downtown LA. To maximize comfort and safety for guests, the pool area is protected by a custom-fabricated CRL glass windscreen system. Installed by Azurelite, the system features stainless steel posts that are highly resistant to the elements and an integrated gate for code-compliant access.

Bathrooms in select hotel suites and residential apartments feature frameless shower door hardware from CRL. Suites also feature the company’s Top-Hung Sliding Glass Door System. The custom-engineered system acts as a versatile glass wall that separates the living and sleeping areas, while adding contemporary elegance to the space.