Trump & Rockefeller Center: A History!

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the connection between Donald Trump and the iconic Rockefeller Center? It's a fascinating story involving ambition, real estate, and a slice of New York history. Let's dive in!

The Rockefeller Center: An Overview

Before we jump into the Trump connection, let's quickly recap what the Rockefeller Center actually is. The Rockefeller Center is a large complex consisting of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st Streets in New York City. Built by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning from Fifth Avenue to Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

The construction of Rockefeller Center employed over 40,000 people and was the largest private building project at the time. The idea for Rockefeller Center came about after the Metropolitan Opera proposed building a new theater on the site. When the Metropolitan Opera couldn’t afford to move to the proposed location, the Rockefellers decided to develop the site themselves. The complex is famous for its art deco architecture, ice-skating rink, and the towering Christmas tree that graces the plaza every year. It's a major tourist attraction and a symbol of New York City. It consists of two sections: the eastern buildings dating from the 1930s and a set of western buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the complex is owned by Tishman Speyer, which bought the complex in 2000, though the Rockefeller family still maintains a stake in it.

It’s important to understand that Rockefeller Center isn’t just one building; it’s a collection of buildings with diverse tenants, including NBC Studios, numerous shops, restaurants, and offices. This makes the story of Donald Trump's involvement particularly interesting, as it wasn't about owning the entire complex but rather a specific piece of it.

Trump's Involvement: The Purchase of the Plaza Hotel

So, where does Donald Trump fit into all of this? Well, his story isn't directly tied to owning Rockefeller Center itself. Instead, it involves a strategic move that briefly linked him to a neighboring landmark: The Plaza Hotel. To really understand the connection between Donald Trump and the area around Rockefeller Center, we need to focus on the Plaza Hotel. In 1988, Donald Trump purchased The Plaza Hotel for around $407.5 million. This iconic hotel sits at the southeast corner of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue, a prime location just a stone's throw from Rockefeller Center.

Trump saw the Plaza Hotel as a prestigious acquisition, a symbol of luxury and success. He famously boasted about the purchase, stating that he wasn't just buying a building; he was buying a masterpiece. The hotel underwent renovations and was intended to be a crown jewel in Trump's real estate empire. During his ownership, Trump sought to enhance the Plaza Hotel's prestige, hosting high-profile events and making cosmetic improvements. He even famously appeared in the movie "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," filmed at the Plaza, offering directions to Kevin McCallister. But it's crucial to remember that while the Plaza Hotel is near Rockefeller Center, it is a separate entity. Trump's ownership of the Plaza did indirectly influence the surrounding area, impacting the flow of tourists and the overall luxury ambiance.

However, Trump's venture with the Plaza Hotel wasn't without its challenges. He faced significant financial difficulties and ultimately sold the hotel in the early 1990s. While his ownership was relatively brief, it left a lasting mark on the history of this famous New York landmark. His purchase of the Plaza Hotel amplified his presence in that area of New York City, even if it wasn't a direct connection to Rockefeller Center itself. Trump always had an eye for prestigious properties, and the Plaza, with its proximity to Rockefeller Center, certainly fit the bill.

Indirect Connections and Influence

While Donald Trump never directly owned Rockefeller Center, his real estate dealings and high-profile presence in New York City inevitably created some indirect connections. His ownership of nearby properties, like the Plaza Hotel, influenced the surrounding area and contributed to the overall atmosphere of Midtown Manhattan. The areas surrounding Rockefeller Center are prime real estate locations. The value of properties near landmarks like Rockefeller Center is often driven by their prestige and visibility. Trump's activities in the area, whether it was owning the Plaza Hotel or developing other properties, contributed to the dynamic real estate market. High-profile figures like Donald Trump often attract media attention, which can indirectly benefit landmarks like Rockefeller Center by increasing tourism and awareness. His presence in New York City was always hard to ignore, and his real estate ventures often sparked conversations about the city's development and economy.

Trump's career has involved numerous high-profile real estate projects, many of which have been located in or near iconic areas of New York City. These projects contribute to the ongoing evolution of the city's landscape and economy. His involvement in these projects often generates discussions about urban planning, architecture, and the impact of development on local communities. The story of Donald Trump and Rockefeller Center highlights the complex interplay of real estate, politics, and culture in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

The story of Donald Trump and Rockefeller Center, even though it's primarily about his ownership of the Plaza Hotel, speaks volumes about ambition, real estate, and the ever-changing landscape of New York City. It highlights how individuals can leave their mark on a city through their ventures, even if those ventures aren't directly tied to the most iconic landmarks. Trump's pursuit of high-profile properties underscores the importance of prestige and location in the world of real estate. It also illustrates the challenges and risks involved in owning and managing such properties. The rise and fall of fortunes, the constant negotiation of deals, and the impact of economic forces are all part of the story. The story reminds us that cities are living, breathing entities, constantly evolving and shaped by the people who inhabit and develop them. The story serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that shape our urban environments and the lasting impact of individuals on the cities they inhabit. By understanding these dynamics, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of our cities.

So, while Donald Trump never owned Rockefeller Center outright, his influence on the surrounding area, particularly through his purchase of the Plaza Hotel, is an interesting chapter in the ongoing story of New York City's real estate history. Pretty cool, right?