Ernst & Young Plaza

Ernst & Young Plaza Los Angeles: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Ernst & Young Plaza is a defining feature of Downtown Los Angeles, reflecting the city’s dynamic evolution both architecturally and culturally. Opened in 1985 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), this 41-story skyscraper anchors the Financial District at 725 South Figueroa Street. It is celebrated for its Late Modernist design—characterized by a sleek glass and granite façade, minimalist massing, and a striking integration of office, retail, and public spaces. The plaza is also home to the well-known FIGat7th shopping complex, making it a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.

More than just an architectural landmark, the plaza fosters community engagement through seasonal markets, public events, and art installations, all set within the lively context of downtown Los Angeles. Its proximity to major transit lines, especially the 7th Street/Metro Center station, ensures easy access and supports the city’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Ernst & Young Plaza’s history, architectural highlights, visitor information—including hours and ticketing policies—and tips on exploring nearby attractions. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to experience the best of Los Angeles’ urban core, the plaza offers a multifaceted and engaging visit (Structurebase, PCAD, TravelCaffeine, DowntownLA.com).

Discover Ernst & Young Plaza: A Downtown LA Landmark
Architectural Origins and Development
Historical Significance in Urban Evolution
Cultural and Social Impact
Architectural Features and Innovations
Essential Visitor Information
Exploring the Plaza: 7+FIG and Public Spaces
Notable Tenants and Corporate Identity
Accessibility and Sustainability
Nearby Attractions
Photography and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Interactive Elements
Summary and Call to Action
References

1. Discover Ernst & Young Plaza: A Downtown LA Landmark

Ernst & Young Plaza is a symbol of Los Angeles’ transformation, seamlessly blending architectural innovation with community vitality. It stands as a must-see for those interested in the city’s design, history, and contemporary urban life.

2. Architectural Origins and Development

Originally named Citicorp Center, the plaza was developed as part of Downtown LA’s 1980s high-rise boom. Designed by SOM, the 534-foot (162.8 meters), 41-story tower is an embodiment of the International Style: clean lines, glass-and-steel construction, and a functional yet refined aesthetic (Structurebase).

The building marked a significant phase in downtown’s revitalization, strategically anchoring the Figueroa Corridor and serving as a catalyst for the Financial District’s emergence as a prominent commercial center.

3. Historical Significance in Urban Evolution

The completion of Ernst & Young Plaza mirrored Los Angeles’ push toward vertical urban density and a vibrant downtown core. Originally the Citicorp Center, its transformation into Ernst & Young Plaza in the early 2000s reflected the city’s economic shift from traditional banking to diversified professional and creative services.

The plaza’s presence alongside other major skyscrapers—such as the U.S. Bank Tower and Gas Company Tower—helped define the modern identity of LA’s Financial District (Structurebase).

Ernst & Young Plaza is more than an office tower; it is a social and cultural hub. The mixed-use complex includes retail, dining, and a landscaped public plaza. This integration supports a lively street-level environment, hosting events, art installations, and providing spaces for relaxation and informal gatherings.

Its central location and proximity to transit lines, including the 7th Street/Metro Center station, align with the city’s sustainable mobility goals and make the plaza a convenient meeting point (TravelCaffeine).

5. Architectural Features and Innovations

The tower’s reflective glass and aluminum façade captures the unique Southern California light, while its setbacks and tiered design enhance both aesthetics and natural illumination. Renovations have maintained the building’s infrastructure, ensuring its status as a premier business address.

The public plaza features trees, planters, and ample seating, offering a welcoming environment complemented by rotating art and seasonal decor.

6. Essential Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Office Tower: Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. No public tours offered; office floors accessible only to tenants and authorized guests.
Lobby and Public Plaza: Open during business hours; no admission fee or tickets required.
FIGat7th Retail Center: Typically open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Hours may vary by retailer.

Location and Access

Address: 725 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Public Transit: Steps from 7th Street/Metro Center station (Metro Red, Purple, Blue, and Expo Lines).
Parking: Paid parking available onsite (entrance at 945 W 8th St) and nearby lots (ABM Parking).

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible: Ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout the complex.
Restrooms: Available in both the retail and lobby areas.
Bike storage: Secure facilities and nearby bike-share stations encourage cycling.

7. Exploring the Plaza: 7+FIG and Public Spaces

The 7+FIG retail plaza, an open-air destination beneath the tower, offers dining, shopping, and community events. With over 300,000 sq ft of retail, visitors can explore eateries like California Pizza Kitchen, Mendocino Farms, and more. Seasonal markets, live performances, and pop-up events animate the plaza year-round (DowntownLA.com).

8. Notable Tenants and Corporate Identity

After its tenure as Citicorp Center, the building became known as Ernst & Young Plaza, reflecting its role as headquarters for major financial and professional services. The plaza remains a hub for leading firms and startups alike.

9. Accessibility and Sustainability

The building holds LEED Platinum certification for green design and energy efficiency, featuring advanced climate control, water conservation technologies, and eco-friendly materials (Skyscraper Center).

10. Nearby Attractions

Within walking distance, visitors can enjoy:

The Bloc: Shopping and dining complex
Pershing Square: Historic public park
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Iconic music venue
The Broad: Contemporary art museum
Grand Central Market: Culinary landmark

All are easily accessible by Metro or on foot, making the plaza a perfect base for exploring downtown LA.

11. Photography and Media

Exterior: The granite and glass façade is striking from Figueroa St, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Public Plaza: Ideal for candid urban photography and people-watching.
Filming: The 41st-floor Teknion space offers panoramic city views and can be booked for filming (Hollywood Locations).

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is public access allowed?
A: Retail and plaza areas are open to the public; office floors require authorization.

Q: Are tickets necessary?
A: No tickets or fees are required for retail and public spaces.

Q: Are tours available?
A: No official building tours are offered, but some city tours include exterior commentary.

Q: Is the plaza accessible?
A: Yes, all public spaces are ADA compliant.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography is permitted in public spaces; commercial shoots require permission.

13. Visuals and Interactive Elements

[Insert images: “Ernst & Young Plaza at sunset,” “Public plaza at FIGat7th with visitors”]
[Interactive map: Plaza location, transit links, and nearby attractions]
[Link to FIGat7th event calendar and virtual tours]

14. Summary and Call to Action

Ernst & Young Plaza exemplifies the architectural and cultural vitality of Downtown Los Angeles. Its blend of Late Modernist design, vibrant public spaces, and sustainable practices makes it a cornerstone of the city’s urban renewal. With no tickets required for public areas and easy access by transit, it’s an ideal destination for architecture fans, urban explorers, and anyone seeking to experience the pulse of downtown LA.