Nelson Rising, a respected developer behind a number of iconic L.A. properties and civic leader who ran Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley’s political campaigns, has died at 81. Rising passed away Thursday at his home in Pasadena. He was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, his family said.
During his career, Rising led the development of the 72-story Library tower, now known as the U.S. Bank Tower; Playa Vista; and Mission Bay, the largest mixed-use development in San Francisco history.
“Nelson Rising has left a lasting mark on our city’s skyline and on our city’s history. Whether you’re looking up to see the US Bank Tower, or you’re looking around to see the impact of Mayor Tom Bradley, Nelson’s work is very much a part of L.A. I extend my condolences to his family and friends during this tough time for them and for our city,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.
“From Mission Bay to projects that helped revitalize Downtown Los Angeles, Nelson Rising spearheaded iconic developments that transformed neighborhoods across California. Nelson cared deeply about California and Californians, and his dynamic leadership and problem-solving brought together stakeholders from across the board to accomplish monumental feats. I send my deepest sympathies to his loved ones and many friends,” California Governor Gavin Newsom added in a statement.
John Cushman, Chairman of Global Transactions at Cushman & Wakefield Inc. and a friend of Rising’s called him a “tremendous executive.”
“Everyone knew, when a deal got complicated or difficult, they had to go to Nelson. Some of the biggest buildings in America are standing today because Nelson had a hand in it. We worked together to bring Downtown Los Angeles the Library Tower, Gas Company Tower, Wells Fargo Center, and numerous other projects in California and across the country. Nelson was more liberal than me, but we respected and liked each other, and could discuss our differences as…
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