The Hollywood Orange Building, an Important Architectural & Cultural Landmark, to Debut with the Opening of New Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Los Angeles Architects John Ash and Michael Rotondi Design an Iconic Public
Building for Hollywood Boulevard Next to Grauman`s Chinese Theatre
HOLLYWOOD--(Business Wire)--
As the world-famous Madame Tussauds prepares to open tomorrow, there is another
accomplishment to celebrate - the completion of the landmark building that
houses it. Located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, next
to the legendary Grauman`s Chinese Theatre, the innovative building was designed
by leading Los Angeles architects, John Ash and Michael Rotondi, as a cultural
icon for Hollywood. It has been a long, often difficult, journey for developers
Larry Worchell and Steve Ullman to complete the building of their dreams, but
after almost two decades, they are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the
Hollywood Orange Building.

When first exploring the concept of developing the property in 1993, Worchell
and Ullman were convinced that the locale deserved something special. "The
property," said Ullman, "located next to Grauman`s Chinese Theatre on one of the
most famous streets in the world, is so unique that it deserved more than just a
square box. Larry and I felt that we owed it to Hollywood to develop a very
special building, one which would be beautiful architecturally, fit in
contextually and would provide visitors with an exceptional experience on a
variety of levels."

After going through several early design stages, Ullman, Worchell and their
original architect, John Ash decided to hold a design competition to find just
the right partner to articulate their vision. After reviewing dozens of
submissions, they narrowed the field down to three of Los Angeles` top
architects. Of the three, only Michael Rotondi outlined a concept for a public
building, one that would be accessible to people from all over the world, both
from a physical and an emotional point of view.

"Steve and I had a very specific goal for this building," said Worchell. "We had
the idea of creating a public space - a place of beauty that people could
experience in many different ways. It was important to us that people would not
only enjoy the building visually but also be able to climb all over it to see
Hollywood from many different vantage points. We wanted visitors to experience
Hollywood in a completely new way. Michael`s design concept captured that idea
perfectly, in a unique and exciting form."

Together, Ash and Rotondi developed an initial design for the spectacular,
multi-level Hollywood Orange Building. A major retailer signed on to be the
master tenant, but, after declaring bankruptcy in 2000, dropped out. After
lengthy negotiations, Ullman and Worchell signed a deal with the prestigious
Madame Tussauds in 2005. Another set of plans was drawn up.

"We were thrilled to partner with Madame Tussauds, and their parent company
Merlin Entertainments," continued Worchell. "They shared our vision for
Hollywood and became an integral part of the building`s development. Because
they had some very specific requirements, several aspects of the building`s
design were adapted to meet their needs."

Today, the three-story Hollywood Orange building wraps gracefully around its
corner, highlighting the west end of the historic corridor that includes the
Kodak Theatre and Hollywood & Highland. An elegant staircase draws pedestrians
up and onto the building, offering enticing resting places on either side for
visitors to meet, sit and people-watch. Connecting staircases zig-zag back and
forth across the building`s exterior, creating a sense of motion. A triangular
metal "sail" sweeps gracefully across the roof deck, connecting the east and
west sides of the building. Balconies allow stopping places for people to gaze
out on the street scene or the hills, and an expansive roof deck affords even
more spectacular views. The generous forecourt allows more room to meet and
mingle.

The west side of the building angles out in an inverted triangular glass box
shape. Zinc panel walls lead visitors around the corner from Hollywood to
Orange. The east side of the building is comprised of a two-story, glass retail
space, affectionately known as the "jewel box," which is the same height as the
Chinese Theatre`s parapet, creating visual continuity between the two buildings.

"The journey to get our dream building constructed has taken close to twenty
years," concluded Ullman. "We have faced a number of obstacles along the way,
but thanks to the vision and dedication of our architects and others who
believed in the project, we have developed what we think is a wonderful
achievement for Hollywood. We are very proud of the building and are excited to
have created a new landmark for current and future generations to enjoy."

Urban Legend PR
Kim Sudhalter, 818-623-8492
kim@urbanlegendpr.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009