Celebrating 40 Years of Trump Tower, A New York City Icon

Since its inception, Trump Tower has stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit and visionary prowess of its namesake, Donald J. Trump. Emerging onto the New York City skyline in unparalleled grandeur in 1983, this iconic building immediately captivated Manhattan’s elite real estate scene. As the official headquarters for The Trump Organization, Trump Tower would serve as the backdrop for countless business transactions, transforming the company into a world-renowned luxury brand in the years to come. Yet few could have predicted that this mesmerizing structure would also set the stage for some of the most pivotal moments in global entertainment, and more importantly, U.S. history. As we commemorate four decades of Trump Tower's rich legacy, we invite you to join us on a captivating journey through time, from its bold conception to its undeniable influence on the fabric of New York City.

Trump Tower began receiving widespread acclaim from the moment it opened. Architectural critic Ada Louise Huxtable praised it as a “dramatically handsome structure” and Paul Goldberger lauded its interior as “warm, luxurious, and even exhilarating." However, it wasn’t without Donald Trump's impressive negotiating skills that he would secure the future building’s prime location amid years of roadblocks and stiff competition from developers worldwide.

Building An Icon

In 1971, Donald Trump set his sights on the Bonwit Teller building in Manhattan, despite lacking a track record in the city's real estate scene and while managing the challenging Grand Hyatt project. Undeterred, Trump pursued the acquisition with tenacity and eventually convinced Genesco to sell. Subsequent negotiations then ensued with the landowner, Equitable Life Assurance Society, resulting in Equitable exchanging the land for a 50% stake in the project, proving mutually advantageous for both parties.

Trump’s efforts did not stop there. To solidify his grand vision for the building, he engaged in intricate negotiations for the air rights above the neighboring Tiffany's flagship store–a move that secured a lifetime of unobstructed views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park as no builder could exceed the store’s current height.

Collaborating with architect Der Scutt to design the building's exterior and renowned atrium, Trump opted for opulence, selecting polished brass railings and distinctive Breccia Pernche marble for a vibrant and luxurious atmosphere. Upon completion, Trump Tower had undoubtedly solidified Donald Trump’s “Think Big” philosophy and lasting influence on the New York City skyline.

Looking back on pivotal moments at Trump Tower, memories include highly-publicized press conferences, lavish celebrations, major business transactions, visits from celebrities, world leaders, political figures, and the famous ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place on the rooftop in 1983 with Mayor Koch. In a New York Times article titled, "The Expanding Empire of Donald Trump," columnist William Geist had the following to say:

Power, Prestige, and Success

Trump Tower, with its iconic location and operational excellence, has become a magnet for elite retail and business. Located on the corner of 57th Street, Tiffany & Company recently unveiled an impressive new retail experience in 2023 following a multi-million-dollar renovation. On the tower's opposite side sits the Gucci flagship store whose lease was signed in 2006 and still stands as a symbol of prestige as Gucci’s largest store in the world. The tower's allure has only grown, with LVMH taking over the former NikeTown space connected to the lobby of Trump Tower.

In addition to its impressive retail lineup, Trump Tower's commercial spaces are occupied by various world-renowned companies, including prominent banks and fashion houses, among others. Boasting stunning Central Park views, the top two floors serve as the epicenter for The Trump Organization where notable acquisitions were made to purchase Trump National Doral and the historic Old Post Office in Washington D.C., which later sold at a record price in 2022. This is also where the company hosted business partners from all over the world while successfully expanding into markets such as Dubai, India, Scotland, and Indonesia. 

Lights, Camera, Action

In 2004, Mr. Trump collaborated with Mark Burnett Productions to launch two of television's most successful business shows: "The Apprentice" and "Celebrity Apprentice." The iconic Boardroom, where the famous phrase “You’re Fired” originated, was not a movie set but a real location within Trump Tower. Ambitious professionals and celebrities, vying for the titles of The Apprentice or The Celebrity Apprentice, frequented Trump Tower for weeks on end. The Tower became a revolving door of famous faces with visitors often finding themselves amidst camera crews filming lobby scenes or contestants hastily strategizing in the famed "war room." The Emmy-award-winning series ran for 15 seasons, marking another major chapter in the history of Trump Tower.

An Escalator Ride That Changed The World

Longtime employees of The Trump Organization often recall the exhilarating "Apprentice" days, wondering how anything could surpass having a hit show in NBC's prime time slot—until June 16th, 2015. On this day, the future President of the United States descended upon a gold escalator in the building’s lobby, a moment that would change his life, his family's lives, and the entire nation forever. There was no better location to announce his run for office than at Trump Tower, a place that he had built physically and where he built his career. 

As one of the most successful businessmen of all time, Mr. Trump has a unique ability to set the stage unlike anyone else. As the music stopped and Mr. Trump boldly and proudly announced he would run for the highest office in the land. No one could have predicted the magnitude of the moment and the journey he was about to embark on. Countless historic moments took place at Trump Tower in the months ahead – primaries were won, press conferences were held, politicians and world leaders came in and out of the revolving front doors and up the golden elevators, and very late in the evening on November 8th, 2016, Mr. Trump received the call that he had won the election. He would soon pack up his beloved office and set out to Washington D.C. as the soon-to-be President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America.

Trump Tower Today

As we commemorate 40 years of Trump Tower's rich history, we also recognize its exciting evolution, from the inauguration of the flagship Trump Store in 2016 to the refurbishment of Trump Sweets and Trump Grill in 2020, the introduction of a state-of-the-art amenity space for residents, the exhilarating creation of 45 Wine & Whiskey Bar, and the upcoming opening of a new dining concept that will take the former Trump Cafe to new heights.

Yet we cannot conclude this journey without acknowledging the loyal, passionate, and talented individuals who make this building so special, many of whom have been with us for 20, 30, and even 40 years of tenure. From valets and elevator operators to wait staff, retail associates, directors, designers, and accountants, these dedicated employees play crucial roles in the property's daily operations, creating a warm and magical experience for every guest who steps through our towering glass doors.

Over forty years later, Trump Tower still stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of its namesake, encapsulating his famous words:

From our beloved regular guests and locals to visitors from all over the country and world, we invite you to experience the grandeur of Trump Tower, where every scene tells a story of power, prestige, and inspiration for generations to come.