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 worldโs 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 Towerโs 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 buildingโs 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 of 85 Sky Tower
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.
How to get to 85 Sky Tower?
The most convenient way to reach 85 Sky Tower is by taking the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Take the MRT Red Line and get off at the Sanduo Shopping District Station (R8), or the MRT Light Rail line to Kaohsiung Exhibition Center Station. From there, you can easily walk to the 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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It’s difficult to agree with your statements of “decline of the local economy” and “rise of online shopping and streaming services”. Just last year, E-Sky mall was opened that’s huge (and they are building another building right next to).
Instead, I speculate that the management team failed to keep the 85 tower modern and trendy. They had no visual design or marketing team. They started to let random 8+9 bars to rent spaces. It just simply became not relevant.
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You’re absolutely correct about the increasing number of new malls emerging on the outskirts of the city center. However, it’s important to note that this phenomenon alone does not accurately reflect the overall health of the economy. In Taiwan, there is a tendency to construct impressive structures, such as concert halls or cultural centers, primarily for showcasing purposes rather than practical usage. As a result, the opening of new malls may not necessarily indicate economic prosperity.
Over the years, Kaohsiung’s economy has faced significant challenges, particularly in the old district of Lingya. A prime example of this struggle is the residential tower standing at 260 meters-tall right next to the 85 Sky Tower, which was completed two years ago but remains largely unoccupied. Despite numerous efforts directed towards boosting tourism, the desired results have not materialized. I believe that this can be attributed, in large part, to the fact that the developments were primarily designed with a Taiwanese mindset rather than an international perspective. Insufficient measures have been taken to attract international tourists.
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I recall going there a few times in it’s heyday. Tons of tourist staying there as well as business people visiting companies in the area. However, the cost to stay there was astronomical and the means of getting to the main lobby, which I believe was on the 60th floor was frustrating waiting on a lift to make it to the bottom floor. The location was not all that great with only the newly built mall a block or so down the road being the only thing worth staying there for convenience. However moreover, it was a grand hotel with nice live entertainment and friendly staff.
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