Trump Tower Spire Installation Begins Complete

By Tim State in News on Jan 3, 2009 8:13PM

Trump Tower Chicago

The spire atop of Donald Trump’s began the final stages of installation today, after months of weather delays. When all is finally installed, tThe Trump Tower will now stands at 1,361 feet, only 90 feet shorter than the Sears Tower. This will make the Trump Tower the second tallest building in Chicago and the nation.

The helicopter installation began this morning at 9:30 a.m., and shortly after lunch, ten of the thirteen steel sections to be installed had been put in place. As long as the weather cooperates, the installation continues.

The building is designed by architect Adrian Smith, while working for Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. In 2001, Trump had hoped the building would be the “tallest building in the world,” but after 9/11 plans for the building were scaled back. It won’t be the second tallest building in Chicago for long -- that is, if the Chicago Spire ever gets built, which will come in at 150 stores and have a roof height at 2,000 feet.

The Trib has a great video compilation of the construction - 92 stories in just over 2 minutes. [Trib]