THE DONALD GETS CREATIVE

By Kari Milchman

Donald Trump’s 45-story tower to be built in a low-rise manufacturing district in Soho is the subject of hot debate. Located at 246 Spring St., next to Vandam and Varick Streets, the proposed building would be the most prominent (and no doubt most gaudy) structure in the neighborhood. But critics of the project are fueled by something a bit more legitimate than an objection to the old “my-penis—er—tower-is-the-biggest-and-the-best” adage. The potential problem lies in the fact that the building is being billed as an ingeniously muddled combination of a condo and a hotel, the latter of which is allowed in manufacturing districts, the former of which is not. The Donald’s original permits were rejected back in May due to the inclusion of kitchens in the units, a feature more characteristic of a residential structure than of a hotel. Purportedly, current plans do not include kitchens, and all units will be furnished prior to the tenants’ arrival—more like a hotel. We’re not surprised; if The Donald can manage to sell his unique comb-over as its own TV personality, then he manage to pull a fast one on the Soho naysayers.

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