Chang-Gu World Trade Center
{{short description|Skyscraper in Kaohsiung, Taiwan}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Chang-Gu World Trade Center
| native_name = 長谷世貿聯合國大樓
| native_name_lang = zho
| image = Chang-Gu WTC.jpg
| image_size = 250px
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| map_type = Taiwan
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| coordinates = {{coord|22|38|35.2|N|120|18|53.7|E|type:landmark_region:TW|display=inline,title}}
| map_dot_label = Chang-Gu World Trade Center
| relief =
| former_names =
| alternate_names = Grand 50 Tower
| etymology =
| status = complete
| topped_out =
| highest_prev = Asia-Pacific Financial Plaza
| highest_next = Shin Kong Life Tower
| highest_start = {{start date|1992}}
| highest_end = {{end date|1993}}
| highest_region = Taiwan
| building_type = Skyscraper
| architectural_style = Oriental revivalism
| classification = Commercial
| location = Sanmin District
| address = 80 Min-Tzu 1st Road
| location_city = Kaohsiung City
| location_country = Taiwan
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| completion_date = {{end date|1992}}
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| client = Chang Ku Building Company
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| height =
| architectural = {{convert|222|m}}
| tip = {{convert|222|m}}
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| floor_count = 55 (50 above and 5 below)
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| grounds_area = {{convert|83,310|m2}}
| architect =
| architecture_firm = C.Y. Lee & Partners
| developer =
| engineer =
| structural_engineer =Evergreen Consulting Engineering
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| main_contractor = Turner Construction
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| parking = 281-space underground parking garage
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The Chang-Gu World Trade Center ({{zh|c=長谷世貿聯合國大樓|p=Chánggǔ Shìmào Liánhéguó Dàlóu}}), also known as Grand 50 Tower, is a {{convert|222|m}} tall skyscraper in Sanmin District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was completed in 1992 and was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners. It was the first building in Taiwan to reach a height of 50 floors, as is highlighted by its alternative name.
History
After its completion in 1992, the Chang-Gu World Trade Center became the tallest building in Taiwan surpassing the 169.8 meters high Asia-Pacific Financial Plaza in Kaohsiung. However, it only kept this title for 6 months when the Shin Kong Life Tower in Taipei was completed on 21 December 1993. It kept the title as the tallest building in Kaohsiung for 5 years until the completion of the 85 Sky Tower in 1997. The building is currently the 188th tallest building in the world and 5th tallest in Taiwan.
The building follows a Chinese pagoda style and has an octagonal base to be stable against high winds which are typical in Taiwan as it is prone to typhoons. During the buildings test phase, it was tested to pressures equivalent of wind speeds in excess of {{convert|300|mph|abbr=on}}. It was also tested to withstand earthquakes which are commonplace in Taiwan.
The buildings crown follows the same perimeter as the rest of the building however it stands on an elaborate, thin base. The underside of the crown is lit up at night however the rest is not. The top floor was home to the Grand 50 Club which was managed by the Peninsula Group based in Hong Kong. The Grand 50 Club was known as a prestigious night-spot. As of 2024, the top floor is closed for renovation.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-21 |title=New adventures in public transport |url=https://www.taiwanquest.com/kaohsiung-bus-adventure/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Taiwan Quest |language=en}}
The building contains a car park with 280 spaces available. This located underneath the building, covering five underground floors. The atrium is 21 stories high and is clad in Spanish granite. At the top of the building is a helicopter pad.
Transportation
The building is accessible within walking distance North East from Kaohsiung Station of the Kaohsiung MRT or Taiwan Railway Administration.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20040415125856/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=122156 Emporis.com]}} - Building ID: 122156
- [http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=94 Skyscraperpage.com]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060316112741/http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/kao/grand50.shtml 2Bangkok.com] - Pictures available on site.
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060311203021/http://www.turnerconstruction.com/international/content.asp?d=2532&p=2522 Turner Construction] - involved in the construction of the tower.
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before = Asia-Pacific Financial Plaza}}
{{s-ttl|title = Tallest building in Taiwan|years= 1992 – 1993}}
{{s-aft|after = Shin Kong Life Tower}}
{{end}}
{{Skyscrapers in Taiwan}}
{{Kaohsiung}}
Category:1992 establishments in Taiwan
Category:Office buildings completed in 1992