Overlooking Wilshire Boulevard, 5900 Wilshire stands tall. It’s more than just steel and glass. It’s a silent witness to the ever-evolving landscape of Los Angeles. 5900 Wilshire, originally known as the Mutual Benefit Life Building, has been a prominent fixture on the Miracle Mile since 1971. This 32-story skyscraper, reaching a height of 132 meters, dominates the skyline as the tallest building in the Miracle Mile district. It even holds the title of second-tallest in the broader Wilshire Area.
5900 Wilshire isn’t just about height. Its design, a sleek example of international modernism, was brought to life by architect Gin Wong of William L. Pereira & Associates, in collaboration with Welton Becket and Associates. Picture the bustling activity inside, from entire floors occupied by single tenants to smaller executive suites, all contributing to the vibrant energy of this commercial hub. Located just across Wilshire Boulevard from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5900 Wilshire enjoys a prime location in the heart of the city’s cultural scene.
In 2005, The Ratkovich Company embarked on an extensive $34 million renovation of 5900 Wilshire. This transformation breathed new life into the building, including a redesigned lobby. Initially, plans included a cafe, with a crosswalk intended to connect it to LACMA. However, the placement of a bus zone across the street disrupted these plans, forcing a rethink. Before The Ratkovich Company, the 491,000-square-foot building was originally constructed for Mutual Benefit Life by the Shorenstein Co. of San Francisco.
5900 Wilshire has also played a role in the world of entertainment and media. In December 2008, it became the official west coast headquarters for Variety magazine. The iconic Variety name, in bold red letters, graced the north face of the building until late 2013. Later, in 2014, 5900 Wilshire became the west coast home of SBE Entertainment Group, whose logo now adorns the building.
But 5900 Wilshire holds more than just commercial significance. A piece of history resides on its front lawn. Ten original segments of the Berlin Wall stand as a powerful memorial. This collection represents the longest stretch of the Berlin Wall in the United States, a tangible reminder of a divided world. The segments were installed in 2009 by the Wende Museum. During the installation, Wilshire Boulevard was temporarily walled off, echoing the wall’s original purpose and commemorating its eventual fall. 5900 Wilshire, therefore, stands as a symbol of not just commercial success, but also historical remembrance in the heart of Los Angeles.