Lapérouse Centre

This is an article related to the Commonwealth of New Duveland

Lapérouse Centre
General information
Status	Completed
Type	Mixed-use
Architectural style	modern
Address	Espérance, Lapérouse
Town or city	Espérance
Country	New Duveland
Construction started	1982
Completed	January 12, 1985
Cost	NDD $400 million
Height
Architectural	286 m (938 ft)
Roof	286 m (938 ft)
Top floor	235 m (771 ft)
Observatory	275 m (902 ft)
Technical details
Floor count	76
Floor area	142,900 m2 (1,538,000 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators	48
Design and construction
Architect(s)	Gerard de Preu and Partners
Architecture firm	Perrott Lyon Mathieson
Main contractor	Grollo New Duveland

The Lapérouse Centre, standing as the second tallest structure in Espérance, Lapérouse, is a 76-story skyscraper that once claimed the title of the tallest building in New Duveland upon its completion in 1985. This status, however, was short-lived, as Moanarua Square in Tasbury surpassed it just two years later. Presently, in 2023, it holds the position of the seventh tallest building in the country and the third tallest in Lapérouse. Despite its overall ranking, when measured to its roof, the Lapérouse Centre still retains the distinction of being the tallest in Espérance and the third tallest in the entirety of New Duveland.

Designed by the Australian architectural firm Perrott Lyon Mathieson, the Lapérouse Centre stands as a prominent landmark in Espérance, Lapérouse. The base of this towering structure is clad in Rosa Purino Carnelian granite, presenting a robust and aesthetically pleasing foundation. The architectural design is characterized by three geometrically concave facades, each with two distinct setbacks, creating the visual impression of three interconnected towers standing side by side. This unique and innovative design not only contributes to the building's striking appearance but also adds to the architectural diversity of the Espérance skyline.

Originally designed to reach over 300m tall, but was reduced down to 286m due to pressure from the public as to not overshadow the city's tallest structure, La Tour de Union. Although city land use regulations at the time intended to limit skyscrapers to about 50 stories, the developers obtained the necessary permits for a 76-story skyscraper due to a part of the law that allowed bonus height for providing retail space with street access. Because three separate stories could access the street on the sloped site, the developers were allowed a bonus for each of the three stories they set aside for retail, which was reportedly an unintended loophole in the law.

There is an observation deck on the 73rd floor which offers views of Espérance surroundings, offering unobstructed views of La Tour de Union as well as cross-city views towards Pont de l'île de l'Espérance, two of the most famous landmarks of the city, as well as views across to Île de L'Espérance, both North and South bays of the Mourelle Strait, and views towards the Anselme Ranges. The top two floors of the building (75th and 76th) are occupied by the private Club de la Tour Lapérouse (Lapérouse Tower Club), which houses a restaurant, bar, library, and meeting rooms.

Gallery

• 
  The original heritage buildings on site were retained as part of the development
• 
  View of the tower from the public plaza at the base of the project
• 
  View of the tower from the south
• 
  View of the tower's striking curved design

See also

• List of tallest buildings in New Duveland
• List of tallest buildings in Espérance
• Architecture of New Duveland