(HOLLYWOOD, CA) -- Developers Larry Worchell and Steve Ullman knew they had a prime piece of Downtown dirt in 1993 but didn't know at the time it would take 16 years to develop the site at 6931--6935 Hollywood Blvd.

Tomorrow, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, a new branch of the 174-year-old, London-based wax celebrities museum, opens its doors in the three-story, multi-million-dollar Hollywood Orange Building Worchell and Ullman dreamed about for almost two decades.

Hollywood Orange Building

Located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, next to the legendary Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the innovative, 36,895-square-foot building was designed by Los Angeles architects John Ash and Michael Rotondi as a cultural icon for Hollywood.

The reason it took 16 years for the building to be completed was that Ullman and Worchell had to satisfy themselves their structure would be noted by the public as a landmark property.

"The property 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," Ullman recalls.

"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, 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 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," says Ullman.

"Steve and I had a very specific goal for this building," adds 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," says 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 Hollywood Orange building wraps 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 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. Ullman says 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," says 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."

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