| Chang-Gu World Trade Center | |
|---|---|
長谷世貿聯合國大樓 | |
 | |
  Chang-Gu World Trade Center | |
| Alternative names | Grand 50 Tower |
| Record height | |
| Tallest in Taiwan from 1992 (1992) to 1993 (1993)[I] | |
| Preceded by | Asia-Pacific Financial Plaza |
| Surpassed by | Shin Kong Life Tower |
| General information | |
| Status | Completed |
| Type | Skyscraper |
| Architectural style | Oriental revivalism |
| Classification | Commercial |
| Location | 80 Min-Tzu 1st Road,Sanmin District,Kaohsiung City,Taiwan |
| Coordinates | 22°38′35.2″N120°18′53.7″E / 22.643111°N 120.314917°E /22.643111; 120.314917 |
| Completed | 1992 (1992) |
| Client | Chang Ku Building Company |
| Height | |
| Architectural | 222 metres (728 ft) |
| Tip | 222 metres (728 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 55 (50 above and 5 below) |
| Grounds | 83,310 square metres (896,700 sq ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | C.Y. Lee & Partners |
| Structural engineer | Evergreen Consulting Engineering |
| Main contractor | Turner Construction |
| Other information | |
| Parking | 281-space underground parking garage |
TheChang-Gu World Trade Center (Chinese:長谷世貿聯合國大樓;pinyin:Chánggǔ Shìmào Liánhéguó Dàlóu), also known asGrand 50 Tower, is a 222-metre (728 ft) tallskyscraper inSanmin District ofKaohsiung,Taiwan. It was completed in 1992 and was designed byC.Y. Lee & Partners, who also designed the85 Sky tower, and theTaipei 101. It was the first building in Taiwan to reach a height of 50 floors, as is highlighted by its alternative name.
After its completion in 1992, the Chang-Gu World Trade Center became the tallest building inTaiwan surpassing the 169.8 meters high Asia-Pacific Financial Plaza in Kaohsiung. However, it only kept this title for 6 months when theShin Kong Life Tower inTaipei was completed on 21 December 1993. It kept the title as the tallest building in Kaohsiung for 5 years until the completion of the85 Sky Tower in 1997. The building is currently the 188th tallest building in the world and 5th tallest in Taiwan.
The building follows aChinesepagoda style and has an octagonal base to be stable against high winds which are typical in Taiwan as it is prone totyphoons. During the buildings test phase, it was tested to pressures equivalent of wind speeds in excess of 300 mph (480 km/h). It was also tested to withstandearthquakes 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 thePeninsula Group based inHong Kong. The Grand 50 Club was known as a prestigious night-spot. As of 2024, the top floor is closed for renovation.[1]
The building contains a car park with 280 spaces available. This located underneath the building, covering five underground floors. Theatrium is 21 stories high and is clad inSpanishgranite. At the top of the building is ahelicopter pad.
The building is accessible within walking distance North East fromKaohsiung Station of theKaohsiung MRT orTaiwan Railway Administration.
| Preceded by | Tallest building in Taiwan 1992 – 1993 | Succeeded by |