The 85 Sky Tower (also called Tuntex Sky Tower) in Kaohsiung is a towering symbol of the city’s modernity and progress. However, it is also a symbol of its economic downfall. Standing at 378 meters tall (including the antenna), it is currently the second tallest building in Taiwan and remains one of the world’s tallest building. The 85 Sky Tower was completed in 1997 and has been for many years a major tourist attraction and a hub for business and commerce. Today it stands largely abandoned.
85 Sky Tower’s current status of abandonment
In recent years, the 85 Sky Tower has largely become abandoned. Many of the offices and businesses that once occupied the building have moved out, and the shopping mall and other amenities have closed down. Even the observatory deck that used to offer the most stunning view of the city has been completely emptied.
The reasons for the 85 Sky Tower’s abandonment are multifaceted;
- One factor is the decline of the local economy, which has led businesses to move out of the building, and the city all together. Most of those businesses have moved north to the capital city, Taipei, as well as the fast-growing city of Taichung.
- Another factor is the rise of online shopping and streaming services, which have reduced the demand for traditional bricks-and-mortar retail and entertainment establishments like those that were located in the 85 Sky Tower.
The building’s current state of abandonment is the most notable at night when most of the building remains in the dark, with the exception of some office floors on its left side that were converted into a cheap hotel and its roof that is being light up until 10pm every night.
Despite all this, the 85 Sky Tower remains a popular tourist destination due to its location near the harbor. It is a recognizable landmark that can help you find your way back to the harbor while walking around the city.
History and design
The 85 Sky Tower was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, a renowned architectural firm based in Taiwan (They also designed the very famous Taipei 101). The tower’s construction was completed in 1997, and it quickly became a major landmark in the city.
The 85 Sky Tower’s design is characterized by its sleek, modern look and its glass exterior, which reflects the surrounding cityscape. The tower is named after the number of floors it has, 85.
The tower was designed with functionality in mind. It features a spacious lobby and reception area, as well as a number of elevators that can transport visitors and employees to the various floors of the building. The tower is also equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and fire prevention measures to ensure the safety of all those who visit or work in the building.
Features and amenities
In addition to the observatory deck, the 85 Sky Tower was home to a number of other attractions and amenities. It once featured a shopping mall, a cinema, and a variety of restaurants and cafes, all of which have since closed down. The tower also used to house a number of offices and business centers, making it a hub for commerce and business in the city.
There are hopes that all those amenities could one day re-open as the city is trying to revive its economy. The Kaohsiung harbor has seen many renovations and improvements the past years in order to convert itself into a touristic hub, and many plans have been proposed to find new tenants to 85 Sky Tower.
The 85 Sky Tower is a testament to Kaohsiung’s past development and growth. It stands as a symbol of the city’s modernity and its place as a major player in Taiwan’s economic and cultural landscape. For anyone visiting Kaohsiung, the 85 Sky Tower is a must-see destination.
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