Trump World Tower
| Location | 845 United Nations Plaza New York, New York, 10017 USA |
|---|---|
| Constructed | 2001 |
| Height | 262 m (861 ft) |
| Stories | 90 (72 actual) |
| Architect | Costas Kondylis |
| Cost | $300 Million (approx) |
Trump World Tower is a luxury residential skyscraper at 845 United Nations Plaza (First Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets) in Manhattan, New York City. Construction began in 1999 and concluded in 2001. Designed by architect Costas Kondylis, the building is 262 meters high and has 72 constructed floors with facades of dark, bronze-tinted glass.
Trump World Tower remains the tallest building constructed in the western hemisphere during the past 15 years (since Atlanta's Bank of America Plaza was completed in 1992), but will be surpassed in 2008 when Bank of America Plaza in New York is completed. It was the tallest all-residential tower in the world briefly, prior to the completion of the 21st Century Tower in Dubai (2003) and the Tower Palace Three in Seoul (2004).
Prior to construction, many neighbors, including Walter Cronkite, opposed the building due to its height and lack of distinguishing exterior features. Among the concerns was that this tower would dwarf the UN headquarters across the street.
The building is constructed with concrete to improve its wind resistance, and a curtain glass wall allows for sweeping views of the East River and midtown Manhattan. In April 2006, the elegant restaurant Megu opened on the building's ground floor, serving a fusion of Asian cuisines. The ground floor also houses The World Bar.
The tallest of the handful of residential towers built by New York-born real estate developer, premium living pioneer, and celebrity mogul Donald Trump, it cost approximately $300 million to construct. Condo prices have relaxed to between $585,000 for a studio (there are only a small handful in the building) to $13,500,000. The mega-penthouse on the top 3 floors of the structure totalling 20,000 square feet (1,858 m²) was pegged by Donald Trump at $58 million. The apartment, after failing to sell for years on end, was recently separated into three different units, all of which were quickly sold. Rentals from private owners are currently between $2200 and $3300 for studio units and $3200+ for 1 bedroom units (590-890 square feet).
The building and some of its luxurious condominium units have been featured on NBC's The Apprentice and on the NBC television show "Extra." In 2003, Esquire Magazine held an exclusive charity event in the ultra-chic "Esquire Apartment," attracting stars Uma Thurman, Donald Trump, Daniela Pestova, Melania Trump, Taye Diggs and Mark Burnett. Also that year, Trump World Tower was the site of the North American sneak preview of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, during which singer Beyonce Knowles promoted the new luxury vehicle to American media. According to several New York magazines, many high profile celebrities, like Derek Jeter, Bill Gates, Sophia Loren and Harrison Ford, live and/or own property in the building.