Printed from BusinessInsurance.com

OFF BEAT: New London insurance district skyscraper sheds bolts

Posted On: Jan. 16, 2015 12:00 AM CST

British insurers moving into a new London high-rise may be recalculating their risks after parts of three huge bolts plunged to the ground from the recently opened building.

British media report no injuries when the bolts fell from the 47-story Leadenhall Building, which Londoners have dubbed “The Cheesegrater” for its tapered shape resembling the common kitchen tool. The Independent describes the imposing bolts as “about the size of a human arm.”

Aon P.L.C. reportedly has claimed 10 floors in the building for its world headquarters. Located in the insurance district, the building also is reported to have leases with Brit P.L.C. and Amlin P.L.C., among others.

Although the developer has determined the flawed bolts do not impugn the structure’s integrity, The Evening Standard reported that bolts across 11 floors were to be replaced as a “precautionary measure.”

This isn’t the first Aon-related building that has sent objects hurtling to the ground. Aon’s former Chicago corporate headquarters underwent a multimillion-dollar facelift in the 1980s when it was known as the Amoco Building (before Aon had taken the keys).

That 83-story edifice, now known as Aon Center, began to shed huge chunks of decorative Italian marble facade after it opened in 1972. The marble was replaced in 1989 at a cost of about $60 million, according to reports. The building originally was built for $120 million.