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Who knew that Donald Trump owned these New York City landmarks? The Central Park ice rinks, the Empire State Building and The Plaza Hotel famous from Home Alone 2 all have a connection to the former US president

STORYLeah Simpson
Donald Trump owns or has owned a number of New York’s most iconic sights, including the Empire State Building. Photo: @Shippinbot, @@DIEBO37/Twitter
Donald Trump owns or has owned a number of New York’s most iconic sights, including the Empire State Building. Photo: @Shippinbot, @@DIEBO37/Twitter
Donald Trump

  • In Central Park, Trump manages both the Wollman Rink and the Lasker Rink, and also the historic Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel
  • Trump’s cameo in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York arose because he used to own The Plaza Hotel where Macaulay Culkin’s character Kevin stayed

Trump Hotels are just the cherry on top of Donald Trump’s real estate ventures. He reached dizzying heights of fame – fame that ultimately propelled him all the way to the White House – by doing deals with some of the world’s biggest names in property, often for iconic pieces of real estate. And while other members of his family have shown a preference for Florida, the Donald’s long-time home of New York is where he has had the most visible impact by far.

Central Park attractions

The two ice rinks in Central Park are among the attractions owned by Donald Trump. Photo: @wollmanrink/Instagram
The two ice rinks in Central Park are among the attractions owned by Donald Trump. Photo: @wollmanrink/Instagram
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One of the most magical things about visiting NYC in the winter is getting to experience ice skating in Central Park. It’s become the spot to ring in the festive season and even a popular place to pop the question.

 

Trump manages both the Wollman Rink at the south end of the park and the Lasker Rink on the north end. But the Donald’s operation is a year-round affair as the Wollman Rink turns into Victoria Gardens from June to September where visitors can enjoy an amusement park filled with rides, food concessions and live music entertainment. The Trump Organization also manages the Michael Friedsam Memorial Carousel, the fourth such carousel in this spot since 1871.

40 Wall Street

While few tourists know this building – also known as the Trump Building (not to be confused with Trump Tower) – it was built in 1930 and, formerly known as the Manhattan Company Building, was once the tallest building in the world at 283 metres (927 feet). Designed by architects H. Craig Severance and Yasuo Matsui, it is situated opposite the New York Stock Exchange and still sticks out as a green jewel in the city’s skyline thanks to its rusted copper roof.

Purchased by the former president of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos in the 1980s, after the February Revolution of 1986 toppled his reign, the building spent years vacant until Trump bought it in 1995. He claims he only paid US$1 million and has invested US$200 million in renovations since. The building is mainly recognised for its beautiful exterior but inside the tower is 1.1 million square feet of office space spread across 70 floors.