In the heart of West Los Angeles there's a thriving city-within-a-city; a
self-contained community that offers business and recreation, fashion and food,
entertainment and accommodations. It's Century City; a decidedly upscale
mini-metropolis.
Century City planners made an early commitment to excellence, and their standards have
never changed. From architecture to industry, Century City is home to the best and the
brightest.
In its short 50-year history, Century City has become an internationally recognized
prestigious address for business, shopping, luxury living, theatre going, dining, and
guest accommodations. It's come a long way since its historic beginnings in 1958, when it
was a movie back lot for the 20th Century Fox film studios.
Century City is located on Los Angeles' industrious west side. In fact, A major
advantage of working, living, and socializing in Century City is its proximity to Beverly
Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, the Olympic corridor, and the Wilshire District.
Century City began as a professional business center, attracting executives from almost
every industry. Today, one of the community's strengths remains its prominence as a
central business district, a professional home to 2,500 businesses (and 40,000 employees)
including bankers, CPAs, lawyers, real estate firms, doctors, communication and
entertainment concerns, association headquarters, and more. Those who work in Century City
soon discover that one of its primary assets is the proximity to so many other related
businesses.
One of Century City's most striking features is its architecture. For a 176-acre
community that boasts ten million square feet of office space -- there's a compelling
cleanliness about Century City, a refreshing, open-air atmosphere. More than 60% of
Century City remains open, enhanced by the landscaped Plaza Towers which make a strong
architectural statement. Many first-time tourists and visitors to Los Angeles mistake it
for downtown -- 10 miles away.
Century City is, by no means, all work and no play. In fact, it's the extent and
variety of this community's attractions that have helped to make it a thriving business
center. Century City's impressive amenities are especially important to attracting and
keeping its clientele.
Residents, workers, and visitors alike enjoy Century City's ABC Entertainment Center.
Here the Shubert Theatre presents hit Broadway shows; and the Cineplex Odeon Theaters show
first-run movies in comfort and style. There are also nightclubs and health clubs.
Shopping enthusiasts come to the Century City Shopping Center and Marketplace to
discover a whole new world of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in Los Angeles.
The Shopping Center features 150 one-of-a-kind stores and the colorful sights, sounds, and
smells of the magnificent new Festival Marketplace. Visitors can also enjoy the magic of
the movies at the luxurious ACM Century 14 Theaters.
A convenient pedestrian bridge rising above Avenue of the Stars connects the shopping
center with office towers. It's the availability of such conveniences as this, along with
pedestrian walkways, that makes Century City an enjoyable walking community, and
contributes to its open air ambiance.
Century City hotels provide state-of-the-art accommodations for out-of-town visitors,
many of whom are dignitaries or corporate chiefs. The St. Regis, Los Angeles (Century
Plaza Tower), The Westin Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, a familiar Los Angeles landmark
and host to presidents and kings, the elegant JW Marriott Hotel, the Beverly Prescott
Hotel, and the Century City Inn combine to provide over 1600 rooms for guests visiting
Century City.
The area's residential community is equally upscale. From condominiums to town homes
and high-rises, the living options in Century City offer some of L.A.'s finest and most
elegant floor plans and features. Century City's residential community currently numbers
approximately 4,000.
To accommodate a luxury lifestyle and bustling business and entertainment district
there are restaurants, more than 3 dozen in fact, some of which are considered the finest
in Los Angeles. From casual to five-star, they cover the spectrum of dining opportunities
and cuisines.
Office towers, hotels, entertainment facilities, shopping centers, and restaurants
don't make a community -that takes commitment. Within Century City today, there is a
growing sense of Community that the residents and businesses of this self- contained city
are fostering in an effort to encourage growth in all the right directions.
1999 Avenue of the Stars, the newest high-rise building built in Century City, began
construction in the fall of 1988. Combining the innovative design of Johnson, Faine, and
Periera Associates and the extensive experience of JMB/Urban Development Company, 1999
offers a prestigious image for those firms that want the finest in efficiently designed,
contemporary office space. The 39-story granite and glass tower with its dramatic curve
and highly articulate facade create a unique profile on the Los Angeles skyline.
Century City may be growing quickly, but it is not growing out of hand. Two entities
that are looking out for its future are the Century City Property Owners Association and
the Chamber of Commerce. They are concerned about far more than maintaining Century City's
prestigious image.
Century City developers have been successful in assuring that the varied and mutual
needs of businesses, visitors, and residents are all being met. What has been forged, in
the process, is a community spirit that has given Century City its reputation as an
upscale business center with a welcoming atmosphere.
The Best Is Yet To Come!
