The Path to Disney Hall

Cranes began installing the structural steel framework last week marking the first major signs of progress on the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Performing Arts Center’s new home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Designed by architect Frank O. Gehry, the sculptural building appears destined to become a downtown cultural landmark and an international symbol of the city. Disney Hall almost didn’t happen. The journey began 13 years ago with a $50-million donation by Disney’s widow, Lillian. Three years after the first groundbreaking in 1992, the project was shut down amid construction management problems as costs spiraled from $110 million to $265 million. Mayor Richard Riordan and businessman Eli Broad kick-started a new fund-raising effort to get the hall back on track. Today, nearly a year after the second official groundbreaking, the $274-million hall is scheduled to open during the 2003-04 Philharmonic season.

Stages of Construction

What you’ll see over the coming months and years, looking from the corner of Grand Avenue and 1st Street.

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1. August 2000 -- June 2001

Framework rises in stages for the central concert hall and pair of lobby wings as well as the Philharmonic offices in the rear. Front wall of the auditorium remains unfinished, allowing for removal of the steel-erecting crane.

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2. Spring 2001 -- Spring 2002

Ribbon-like metal cladding added to the exterior from the top down. Twisted, conical Founders Room takes shape to the right of the main entry. Concrete sprayed on structural steel forms the sculptural shapes along 1st Street.

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3. Early 2002 -- Early 2003

Concrete and stone work begins on Philharmonic offices. Mirror-finish cladding added to Founders Room. Sweeping expanses of turquoise glass installed in main entryway as the finishing external touch. After completion of exterior work, interior finishes continue for up to a year.

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Source: Frank O. Gehry & Associates

Graphics reporting by BRADY MacDONALD / Los Angeles Times