Watch Aspire to the Sky: The Wilshire Grand Story

Aspire to the Sky: The Wilshire Grand Story is a 2017 documentary that chronicles the construction of the Wilshire Grand Center, which became the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The film follows the 44 month journey of the construction staff, starting with the site clearance in 2013 and concluding with the grand opening in 2017. The documentary, directed by Jon Fitzgerald, provides insight into the technical and artistic aspects of the construction of a complex, modern skyscraper.

The film begins by showcasing the history and significance of the Wilshire Grand Center for the city of Los Angeles. The tower was the result of a bold vision by Korean Air, which had acquired the struggling Wilshire Grand Hotel in 1989. After 25 years of planning, a team of engineers and construction workers were tasked with the challenging assignment of building a new high-rise hotel while demolishing the old one.

The documentary provides extensive insight into the planning process and the unique architectural design of the Wilshire Grand Center that make it stand out among the other skyscrapers in the city. The design of the building incorporated art elements like glass sculptures by renowned artist Hiro Yamagata, as well as an innovative cooling system to reduce energy consumption.

Throughout the film, viewers are given an up-close look at the step-by-step process of construction, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the building team. The film illustrates the Herculean task of laying the foundation work for the tower, which included drilling 100 feet down to bedrock and laying a massive steel cage to support the weight of the tower.

The documentary also showcases the resourceful solutions devised by the builders to overcome obstacles and delays. The team had to deal with severe weather conditions, strict city regulations, and the impending threat of an earthquake. These barriers were overcome through the use of state-of-the-art machinery such as cranes, excavators, and helicopters, as well as the application of cutting-edge technology to analyze the structural integrity of the building.

The artistic and creative elements of the Wilshire Grand Center are also given due attention in the documentary. The tower features an array of stunning artwork, including a massive glass dragon sculpture designed by Yamagata, which was installed on the exterior of the building. In addition, the hotel interiors were designed to create a welcoming and luxurious ambiance, and materials from all over the world were brought in to create a unique aesthetic.

As the documentary moves towards the opening of the Wilshire Grand Center, the pace of the film quickens, and the viewer gets a glimpse of the excitement and anticipation that surround the occasion. As the final touches are put into place, it is clear that this towering structure is set to become a true landmark for Los Angeles.

In conclusion, Aspire to the Sky: The Wilshire Grand Story is an engaging and fascinating documentary that provides a comprehensive look into the creation of a modern skyscraper. The film combines elements of technical and artistic expertise to create a story that is both informative and entertaining. Ultimately, the documentary pays homage to the remarkable accomplishments of the team behind the Wilshire Grand Center, proving that with skill, determination, and a great creative vision, remarkable feats can be achieved.

Aspire to the Sky: The Wilshire Grand Story is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.