Trump Empire

Trump has made his name in real estate all over the country. Though, he does not limit himself to residential and industrial structures. Trump Golf now has locations in New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Puerto Rico and Scotland. Trump International Golf Club caters to the elite sect of the golf community representing the Trump image of class.

Trump World Tower

Trump World Tower is located at 845 United Nations Plaza in Manhattan. The building is 262 meters high and was completed in 2001, following a design specified by Donald Trump and executed by architect Marta Rudzka. Trump World Tower has 72 constructed floors and hosts Megu, an Asian fusion cuisine restaurant, as well as the World Bar.

As is the case with many Trump buildings, Trump World Tower is distinguished in many ways, in particular, height. Trump World Tower was the tallest building in the western hemisphere from 2001 until 2007, when the New York Times Tower and Philadelphia’s Comcast Center were constructed.

The residential skyscraper features a facade of bronze-tinted glass in a curtain wall configuration. For inhabitants, Trump World Tower provides unparalleled views of the East River and various section of mid-Manhattan.

For architecture fans, Trump World Tower is an exercise in simplicity following the style of Mies. In this sense, it is a departure from other Trump buildings, which are often characterized by complex exteriors and ornate interiors. Trump World Tower is basically four flush glass walls topped by a flat roof that contrasts greatly with other dominant Manhattan skyscrapers like the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. Although Art Deco will always have a place in New York architecture, Trump World Tower shakes up the well worn skyline with its strong urban statement.

At the same time, Trump World Tower borrows from the innovative designs of some of New York’s classics. Like the Empire State Building, the perception of size depends on perspective. From some viewpoints, Trump World Tower is almost svelte; from others, it is a definite force to be reckoned with. Trump World Tower was voted one of the top ten buildings by Emporis in its 2001 Emporis Awards competition.

Prices range greatly, starting at approximately $650,000 for a studio to the neighborhood of $30,000,000 for large suites. Rental prices start at approximately $3,000 for studio units and $5,000 for 1 bedroom units (590-890 square feet).

Trump Soho

The Trump Soho Hotel Condominium is located on Soho’s Spring Street between Varick and Sixth Avenue. Trump Soho will be the tallest building in the Soho district and one of its fanciest hotels. Once complete (planned for early-mid 2009), the building will consist of 46 stories, 411 rooms, and a range of up-market spas, guest services, and eateries.

Trump Soho’s main restaurant is the Quattro Gastronomia Italiana. This restaurant already has a branch in the South Beach area of Miami. Its two chefs, Nicola and Fabrizio Carro, are twins who lend their authentic Italian cooking skills to the gourmet restaurant. The New York Times quipped that diners will never know which of the brothers is doing the cooking as they divide their time between South Beach and Soho.     

An additional attraction is the SoHi bar located on the 46^th floor, featuring signature drinks and a 360 degree view of the city. But don’t bother trying to make reservations – it’s members only. Other Trump Soho features of note include his and her Turkish baths, library, outdoor pool, and screening room.

The official launch for the hotel was a lavish party at the Tribeca Rooftop, complete with wigged doormen. The Donald certainly likes beautiful women -  the party was attended by Miss USA Rachel Smith and Miss Teen USA Lauren Upton, of YouTube fame, who has a contract with Trump Modeling. Entertainment was provided by Cirque du Soleil, Louis Vega, and DJ Behrouz Nazari.

Unlike most launch parties, however, this one was apparently not meant to attract buyers. According to Mr. Trump, there is a 3,200 person waiting list for seeing rooms. By the summer of 2008, at least 60% of the rooms had been sold. Considering the fact that the least expensive condominium sells for $1.2 million, there must be one heck of a shortage of Turkish baths out there.