Trump Tower in New York City
Trump Tower is a 58-story, 663-foot-tall (202 m) mixed-use condominium skyscraper located at 721–725 Fifth Avenue in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City, between East 56th and 57th Streets. The building serves as the headquarters for the Trump Organization and was developed by businessman and later U.S. President Donald Trump. The tower also includes residential condominiums, office spaces, and retail stores. Trump Tower is known for its distinctive reflective glass facade and its opulent interior design featuring marble and brass.
History and Development
Trump Tower was designed by architect Der Scutt of Swanke Hayden Connell Architects and developed in partnership between Donald Trump and the Equitable Life Assurance Society (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). It was constructed on the site of the former Bonwit Teller department store, which was demolished in 1980 to make way for the skyscraper. Controversy arose when two Art Deco bas-relief sculptures from the Bonwit Teller building, which were promised to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, were destroyed during demolition.
Construction on Trump Tower began in 1979, and the building opened in phases between February and November 1983. The tower was approved as a mixed-use development under special Midtown Manhattan zoning laws, allowing additional floors in exchange for public space. The project included a five-story atrium, luxury apartments, high-end retail stores, and office spaces.
Features and Design
Trump Tower’s exterior consists of a dark reflective glass facade that gives the building its signature look. The interior features a 60-foot waterfall in the public atrium, as well as marble, gold-plated fixtures, and brass details. The building’s top floors house a triplex penthouse that was Donald Trump’s primary residence for many years.
Notable Tenants and Events
The tower has been home to high-profile residents, including members of the Trump family and various celebrities. The retail space in the tower has hosted luxury brands, though several businesses left following Donald Trump’s political career due to public backlash. The building also served as a hub for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and transition team.
Controversies and Security Measures
Over the years, Trump Tower has been involved in several controversies. These include disputes over unpaid wages to construction workers, tax-related lawsuits, and safety violations. The 2016 presidential election and Trump’s presidency led to heightened security measures around the building, including a significant police presence and road closures around the area.
Trump Tower International Developments
Trump Tower in New York inspired several similarly named developments worldwide, including properties in Chicago, Las Vegas, Vancouver, and other locations. While many of these projects were licensed under the Trump brand, some were directly developed by the Trump Organization.
Legacy
Trump Tower remains one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in New York City. Its association with Donald Trump ensures that it continues to attract attention from both supporters and critics. As a landmark in Manhattan, the building symbolizes the rise of Trump as a real estate mogul and his eventual transition into politics.
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