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Inside Trump Tower, the US$300 million monument to Donald Trump’s desire for a real estate empire

Donald Trump in Trump Tower atrium, around the time the building was completed in 1984. Photo: The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Trump Tower is one of President Donald Trump’s most iconic properties.

The glittering skyscraper was built in 1983 as a world famous “testament of Trump’s grand vision” and displayed his name on one of the most iconic streets in New York City.

The tower was once known as a glamorous icon of the city’s skyline that earned Trump US$300 million in condo sales and housed celebrities. But in the past few years, it has become more closely associated with federal investigations into Trump’s campaign, and fiery protests.  

Last week, Bloomberg reported that the tension has taken its toll on the tower, as it’s struggling to hold on to its tenants. See inside the tower’s amenities for its visitors, public and high-profile alike.

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Trump Tower is a skyscraper on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The tower was completed in 1984 after Trump, then a rising real estate mogul, replaced an 11-storey building, vowing to build the city’s first super-luxury, high-rise property with high-end retail shops, offices and residences.

Though the building was advertised to be 68 floors, city records show it is only 58. Trump counted the lobby and shops as 10 extra floors, starting the residential units on what he called the 30th floor.

Trump Tower is part of the midtown Manhattan skyline as it looms over the south end of Central Park on March 6, 2017 in New York City. Photo: Corbis via Getty Images

Trump himself took up residence in the building, conducting business for the Trump Organisation on the 26th floor.

He reportedly had a private lift that could whisk him from his office to the penthouse he shared with his young family.

Photo: Invision/AP Images

The building was one of the earliest monuments to Trump’s desire for a massive real estate empire, which would be followed by numerous hotels and golf courses that bore his name.

Since then, the tower’s shops have become active monuments to Trump’s brand, offering food and merchandise under the famous last name.

All visitors who want to stop by and enjoy the building’s lower floors must go through security after entering from Fifth Avenue before going into the lobby.

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During the presidential transition in late 2016 when Trump was still living at the tower, media crews and fans regularly staked out the marble lobby to spot potential staffers and business titans meeting with the president-elect.

The building’s bottom floors house shops and office spaces.

The inside of Trump Tower as seen by its designer Der Scutt on August 28, 1985. Photo: Getty Images

After clearing security, tourists looking for a souvenir to remember their visit can access numerous gifts in the Trump Store.

An Ivanka Trump brand store had jewellery and accessories for sale in a store in the building’s lobby before closing in June 2018. The space now houses a general Trump-brand shop.

A Starbucks on the second floor above the lobby is also open to the public.

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Despite controversies like Trump threatening the shop’s lease over its holiday edition cups, the location is one of the most popular in the city.

Photo: Business Insider

Visitors can also dine at the infamous Trump Grill which has been at the centre of a few scathing reviews since Trump became president.

Photo: Business Insider

Business Insider previously reported that the harsh reviews of the grill (or grille – the naming is inconsistent on signage) were spot on, from the nearly US$20 cocktails to Trump’s infamous taco bowl.

The Trump Grill’s taco bowl and the Fifth Avenue. Photo: Business Insider

High above the space that welcomes public visitors, condominiums fill floors 30 to 68 in the tower.

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The Trump family owns a rarely seen penthouse that takes up the top three floors. It’s one of several units the president has owned in his namesake high-rise building over the years.

Melania Trump gives the then Fox News host Greta Van Susteren a tour of the Trumps’ penthouse. Photo: Screenshot from Fox News

The first lady has hosted two Fox News interviews in the penthouse. In one, she walked with host Greta van Susteren past a massive white piano. Gold accents are prominent.

Photo: Screenshot from Fox News

As seen in an October 2016 tour, the penthouse has clear views of Central Park and neighbouring skyscrapers.

Photo: Screenshot from Fox News

The first lady said living in the apartment was “amazing”, and the lavish decoration was in-line with her taste.

In addition to the home’s grand flourishes, Melania showed off a table full of photos of family and friends that add a personal touch to the penthouse.

Photo: Screenshot from Fox News

Though the penthouse is still relatively private, Trump has used the residence for business, including when he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a “wonderful” dinner to discuss the two countries’ relationship.

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This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

First Person

Reports suggest the luxury Fifth Avenue, New York City building is struggling to hold on to its tenants, writes Ellen Cranley