Why No U.S. Bank Tower Observation Deck?

Over at Blogging.la, Will Campbell reminds us that the annual Ketchum-Downtown YMCA Stair Climb to the Top takes place this weekend.

As Will notes:

It's not every day one gets the opportunity to climb up the 1,500 stairs of the tallest building between the Mississippi River and New Zealand... although it's probably pretty much every day you get the opportunity not to or to not want to.

But you should. Not only because it's rare to gain access to such a landmark in this post 9/11 world, or that it's quite the feat to do so, but also for the good cause it benefits. The Downtown YMCA's Stairclimb to the Top will raise your heart rate while getting you to the highest point in the city and raising needed funds that will go to support the facility's outreach programs. And while online registration is closed, you can still sign-up the day of the event (for teams it's October 5; individuals October 6).

If you do, plan on arriving at the Y's courtyard (401 S. Hope Street) to register at least one hour prior to your division start time, and bring the fundraising minimum with you ($100 for indivduals; $500 for teams).

Of course, this brings up a big question: Why doesn't the Library... er, U.S. Bank (sorry, I still hate the name change) Tower have an observation deck? Particularly now that Downtown Los Angeles is more of a destination, I'd think that people would be willing to pay to take in the view from the 73rd floor.

After all, we already know Maguire Properties loves to whore out the building for cash -- witness the decision to rename it U.S. Bank Tower after U.S. Bank signed a 12-year lease in 2003. (Check out my rant back then over the skyscraper's identity crisis here.)