Architecture and Social Impact: Donald Trump

[Ed Ziomek]

Some design people deserve congratulations, and if it hasn't been done already, I think Donald Trump is one of those singular, major influential persons, who transformed so many architectural building-projects in the present day New York City, to measurably and positively improve the City. I think on a distinct parallel, the quality of life has improved along with his architecture. Yes, Rudi Giulianni certainly changed the security and quality of New York City... in ways I often questioned, while at the same time... Donald Trump and others were rebuilding the architecture.

Can Architecture improve the Quality of Life of a City?

I absolutely think so.

Mr. Trump is now proposing a 37 story tower in my home town, Stamford, Connecticut, and #1... it hasn't been approved yet, but most of us are cheering it on, hoping it will come to fruition.

How many other Donald Trumps are out there? Who are the other significant architects in America, that changed the landscape of whole cities, that helped improve the quality of life for entire REGIONS?

[Ed Ziomek]

Two pieces of news on Donald Trump...

First, Stamford Connecticut just rejected Donald Trump's bid to build a 400 foot tower in my city, for the primary reason that the footprint of the building was too small. At the same time, I think there was a strong endorsement of his wonderful proposed architecture, though too high, and the same Committee suggested he find another location within Stamford.

I cannot second-guess this decision, but I was personally looking forward to his successful building permission and construction, as his presence alone seems to generate more and more jobs and business and positive community spirit. Yes, the good far outnumbers the bad, but in truth, this project would also attract much more vehicular traffic which is in a congested mode to begin with.

Second story... Donald Trump's New Rochelle, NY project is not 3/4 completed, and it is already one-third-sold. 180 units are being built, the City community is electrified with new enthusiasm, I am told, with 60 units pre-sold. The scoop I heard is that the selling has been so brisk, that Donald actually requested that the selling process be slowed-down!!!! till more of the construction is complete.

Not that I am a native New Yorker, but the architectural hero of heros has always been Robert Moses, till now.

The Poster Giant of Positive Architectural Achievement!
I have never met the man, I do not know this individual, but in my humble opinion, certainly Donald Trump is a living, breathing, architectural hero, a person whose name alone ignites property values to climb, energizing whole neighborhoods to be vitalized. "The Donald" will be mentioned next to the greatest of the great American architectural heros.