DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

User avatar
Jay9398
Posts: 139
Joined: 20 Oct 2016 12:35

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby Jay9398 » 11 Aug 2020 16:24

Tucy wrote:I'm curious about this observation deck as well. Both historically and whether it is planned to be reopened.

Was it an open-air deck on the roof of the building? Where was it exactly?

Earlier in the renovation process, I think it was mentioned that it would be coming back. The website for the project does not seem to mention an observation deck. It does say there will be a restaurant on the 49th floor. I find elsewhere some mentions that the observation deck was on the 50th floor.

Which triggers another question... How many floors does this building actually have? Steve Brown likes to call it 52 stories, which, given Steve Brown's proclivities, is probably an exaggeration. The building's website says it is 51 stories. If they are having a restaurant on 49 and (perhaps) an observation deck on 50... I wonder what is on 51. And where is Steve Brown's 52nd floor? ;-)

Oh, and Merriman (the renovation architects) says it's 50 stories.


The last I read the observation deck on the top floor was still in the plans and was going to be open to the public. I guess we'll have to wait and see. It's never been open air as far as I know. I used to work across the street on 46 and there's no way that what I could see was open air.

The amenity deck on the pedestal (approx floor 9) is open air and is looking really, really good.

I wonder if the discrepancy between the 50/51 floor reporting depends on how the 2 story lobby is counted? Like most I would take anything Brown reports with a grain of salt.

cowboyeagle05
Posts: 3190
Joined: 21 Oct 2016 08:45
Location: Dallas

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby cowboyeagle05 » 12 Aug 2020 09:36

It was a part of the incentive package. The developer to get public money had to reopen the observation deck to the public. The most recent discussion of this feature was in news articles when it was still to be The Drever but who knows if this is still a solid plan. Even Reunion who is also required to have a public amenity deck skirts these rules by just claiming its under construction or closed for cleaning for months at a time. The city rarely cares about enforcing it.

When completed, The Drever’s eight-story tower base will be transformed into a dynamic area with more than 27,000-square-feet of ground floor retail space, 44,000-square-feet of office space, the hotel and residents’ lobbies and a grand ballroom. A wraparound amenity deck with sight lines to surrounding buildings, including a resort quality pool, a spa, a health and fitness room, dog-park and outdoor recreation spaces will be on the 9th floor at the top of the base element. The 50th floor will feature an open-to-the-public observation deck.


The first one is obviously an old pic before they started demo inside. The second is one of the renderings MAA produced as part of the original batch of renderings for the redo. I personally have no idea what the plan is with the observation deck.
download.jpg

50th-Floor-Views.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell”

User avatar
vman
Posts: 294
Joined: 24 Oct 2016 07:44

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby vman » 02 Oct 2020 11:56

I was downtown this weekend and drove down Elm Street right past this building. It's looking really good. But there are several white, what I believe to be planters, lining the front of the building. I swear they look just like oversized toilets. Hopefully, they'll look less so when the building is done.

cowboyeagle05
Posts: 3190
Joined: 21 Oct 2016 08:45
Location: Dallas

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby cowboyeagle05 » 02 Oct 2020 14:24

I think they are planters so once they add in greenery they will look better I hope. I saw them in a photo over on the Downtown Residents Council Facebook page.
“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell”

User avatar
Jay9398
Posts: 139
Joined: 20 Oct 2016 12:35

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby Jay9398 » 05 Oct 2020 15:23

They are planters. They do look like giant urinals. Renderings show tall thin Italian Cypress plantings, but do not show homeless people peeing in them, which I assume is inevitable.

cowboyeagle05
Posts: 3190
Joined: 21 Oct 2016 08:45
Location: Dallas

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby cowboyeagle05 » 06 Oct 2020 09:29

Renderings also show fully grown trees in front of every construction project and people with Neiman Marcus bags and a stroller driving a Bently. Renderings are a sham but people eat it up and so do council members.
“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell”

User avatar
Redblock
Posts: 244
Joined: 24 Nov 2016 11:15

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby Redblock » 10 Oct 2020 15:06

An article in the October issue of D Magazine. So far I have only seen white lights. I assume are LEDs and can be many different colors.

https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/ ... lights-up/

User avatar
Tucy
Posts: 1563
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 12:50

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby Tucy » 21 Oct 2020 10:30

Very exciting news! The Thompson Hotel will open November 14. Honestly thought I'd never see the day.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/rea ... -national/

It looks beautiful!

User avatar
R1070
Posts: 1967
Joined: 26 Oct 2016 21:00

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby R1070 » 21 Oct 2020 10:40

So impressive.

DPatel304
Posts: 2048
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 18:49
Location: Turtle Creek

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby DPatel304 » 13 Nov 2020 15:26

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Catbird lounge at the Thompson is opening November 27th (Credit goes to Valerie Chaykovska from the Downtown Residents Council Facebook group)

User avatar
CTroyMathis
Site Admin
Posts: 838
Joined: 13 Oct 2016 19:51

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby CTroyMathis » 13 Nov 2020 17:58

I saw those pictures there, too! The place looks very good. And, of course, the views.

User avatar
Tivo_Kenevil
Posts: 2094
Joined: 20 Oct 2016 12:24

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby Tivo_Kenevil » 13 Nov 2020 19:02

Any pics of the lobby/ entrance from the outside

User avatar
dallaz
Posts: 768
Joined: 26 Oct 2016 14:50

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby dallaz » 13 Nov 2020 21:53

6C559690-0C8F-4ADD-B666-42DE0FDDF016.png
B44ED97E-1DDC-4E49-A249-97C90A471090.png
378C5B74-CFD2-4837-BD46-7E5EEB727AE3.png
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

cowboyeagle05
Posts: 3190
Joined: 21 Oct 2016 08:45
Location: Dallas

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby cowboyeagle05 » 14 Nov 2020 11:32

Those wide sidewalks even with the integrated parking are so much nicer than the previous wide roadways perfect for drag racing. Narrow those streets build out those long promenades of walking space.
“Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell”

DPatel304
Posts: 2048
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 18:49
Location: Turtle Creek

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby DPatel304 » 16 Nov 2020 14:31

The hotel’s restaurants are Nine, a breakfast and lunch spot on the ninth floor, and Catbird, a sexy restaurant and lounge on the 10th floor.

Nine is expected to open Nov. 16, with Catbird to follow on Nov. 27.

https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaur ... wn-dallas/

Here's an article about Nine and Catbird, opening soon. Both of these places look fantastic, and I'm so glad that this building is nearing completion and it's even better that the newly completed (and hugely successful) Discovery District is only a couple blocks away.

itsjrd1964
Posts: 1231
Joined: 28 Jul 2018 07:38

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby itsjrd1964 » 17 Nov 2020 15:26

Hope they can somehow keep the pigeons off those 2nd floor exterior ledges. They really left marks-on-the-world down there in the past.

itsjrd1964
Posts: 1231
Joined: 28 Jul 2018 07:38

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby itsjrd1964 » 02 Dec 2020 05:09

Michelin-starred chef plans to open 2 high-profile restaurants in Dallas next year

Two more restaurants, Kessaku and Monarch, will open at The National next year.

https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaur ... s-in-2021/

User avatar
tamtagon
Site Admin
Posts: 2323
Joined: 16 Oct 2016 12:04

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby tamtagon » 02 Dec 2020 06:16

Looks like downtown is going to become a scene.

User avatar
exelone31
Posts: 689
Joined: 31 Oct 2016 11:35

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby exelone31 » 02 Dec 2020 09:03

What an incredible turnaround for this building. Remember in The Drever days when we were wondering if it was ever going to get done? So awesome to see this come to fruition.

User avatar
clcrash19
Posts: 202
Joined: 23 Oct 2016 23:28

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby clcrash19 » 02 Dec 2020 10:32

This building looks amazing driving by after work.. they did a great job with the finish out..

It's amazing how much has changed on this street with santander tower, the national and mid elm lofts for the better. Its night and day and Commerce has really changed alot too with discovery district, remodeled adolfus and statler building.. Used to be only main street had any life

User avatar
Matt777
Posts: 880
Joined: 28 Oct 2016 09:10

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby Matt777 » 02 Dec 2020 10:59

Wow, restaurants on the 49th and 50th floors. Should be amazing views and hopefully a food experience to match. Now that Five Sixty at Reunion Tower is closed, are these the highest restaurants in Dallas?

It's a bit strange that we don't have more high floor restaurants considering the attraction that our skyline is, and the plethora of empty space in Downtown office towers. I understand that most office spaces are probably not fitted out for restaurant specific utilities, but it would be nice to see more restaurants like this, and high rooftop bars.

itsjrd1964
Posts: 1231
Joined: 28 Jul 2018 07:38

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby itsjrd1964 » 02 Dec 2020 13:23

Some of it is very likely the utilities and associated infrastructure. The buildings like the National, LTV Tower, and One Main (Place) were all built originally with the mindset of them being banks and office towers--not hotels and/or apartments. Replacing them with (or adding) hotel/residential changes up the utilities dynamic, the biggest change being hot water. That use and need was originally found exclusively in the occasional hallway bathroom of an office. Now showers, bathtubs, and kitchens (home and restaurant) added to the converted buildings make for an environment not likely envisioned by the building's original builders/developers.

DPatel304
Posts: 2048
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 18:49
Location: Turtle Creek

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby DPatel304 » 02 Dec 2020 13:40

Was this the last major vacant building in the CBD?

User avatar
OrangeMike
Posts: 167
Joined: 27 Jun 2019 20:18

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby OrangeMike » 02 Dec 2020 20:11

DPatel304 wrote:Was this the last major vacant building in the CBD?


It’s been consistently described that way in articles about the renovation. If there are others remaining empty, they certainly aren’t as large.
https://www.dmagazine.com/commercial-re ... -downtown/

DPatel304
Posts: 2048
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 18:49
Location: Turtle Creek

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby DPatel304 » 02 Dec 2020 21:13

Great news if that is the case. As demand continues to grow, it means we'll start seeing more and more new development coming to the CBD, rather than it going into filling some of these existing towers.

User avatar
homeworld1031tx
Posts: 184
Joined: 23 Oct 2016 12:23
Location: The Village, Dallas

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby homeworld1031tx » 02 Dec 2020 21:25

It really is a fantastic turn around for the building, but I still can't figure out how this ended up costing ~$450 million bucks. Isn't that the cost of a brand new, very tall skyscraper?

User avatar
OrangeMike
Posts: 167
Joined: 27 Jun 2019 20:18

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby OrangeMike » 03 Dec 2020 09:49

homeworld1031tx wrote:It really is a fantastic turn around for the building, but I still can't figure out how this ended up costing ~$450 million bucks. Isn't that the cost of a brand new, very tall skyscraper?


Isn’t it virtually a brand new, very tall skyscraper now?

$450 million is a huge sum, but it’s a huge building, too. I realize the structure itself is 55 years old or so, but every part of it has been redone in a truly massive project that also had to comply with historic preservation restrictions. The asbestos abatement removed 5 million square feet of material and was the largest in Texas to date. Every piece of marble was removed from the exterior and sliced in two to be reinstalled on a new mounting framework. Financing issues with the previous owner caused delays that may have driven up costs as well. And almost all of the interior space was repurposed from its original use with extensive utility additions, as mentioned above:

itsjrd1964 wrote:Some of it is very likely the utilities and associated infrastructure. The buildings like the National, LTV Tower, and One Main (Place) were all built originally with the mindset of them being banks and office towers--not hotels and/or apartments. Replacing them with (or adding) hotel/residential changes up the utilities dynamic, the biggest change being hot water. That use and need was originally found exclusively in the occasional hallway bathroom of an office. Now showers, bathtubs, and kitchens (home and restaurant) added to the converted buildings make for an environment not likely envisioned by the building's original builders/developers.


No idea if that total cost is inflated, but it really doesn't seem unreasonable given the complexities of what was done.

User avatar
Mballar
Posts: 4
Joined: 10 Dec 2016 11:21
Location: Downtown Dallas

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby Mballar » 03 Dec 2020 12:37

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=6MFVH1pToSK&brand=0

Virtual tour of Model 2 Bedroom at the National Residences;

User avatar
R1070
Posts: 1967
Joined: 26 Oct 2016 21:00

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby R1070 » 03 Dec 2020 13:14

Very nice! What a great product this building has become.

User avatar
I45Tex
Posts: 896
Joined: 26 Jan 2017 05:52

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby I45Tex » 03 Dec 2020 15:22

Recent mixed-use block McKinney & Olive was less than half the size, less than half the height-associated structural costs, had a practically greenfield site with no permitting hurdles, and came in at exactly half this cost ($225MM v 450MM).

User avatar
CTroyMathis
Site Admin
Posts: 838
Joined: 13 Oct 2016 19:51

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby CTroyMathis » 05 Feb 2021 15:52

I had the pleasure of getting a speed-run tour (45 minutes actually, but, felt fast) of the lower floors and the 9th including the outside decks. Got to learn what office space Downtown Dallas, Inc. is supposed to move to (totally forget what floor that was, maybe 2, 4, or, 5?) and the 2 open restaurants (there are 2 more way up high not quite ready), but, my gracious host was just showing me hotel-side F&B since the upstairs crew were busy in meetings. So amazing to see the transformation of this huge building inside and out. A ton of high-end creature comforts scattered all around for guest/residents.

Random takeaways:
There is an extensive checklist of things still to do here and there throughout and underground. Typical odds and ends in various places FOH/BOH. My host mentioned there are ballpark ~100 or so residents so far at this time (I forgot to ask if that meant units occupied or just total residents). I found it really cool he also lives in the building. What a sweet "commute" to work.

Also, two retail tenants are supposedly on tap to go in so far. One is a Chick-fil-A and the other is a Starbucks, however, apparently it will be a move from their Renaissance Tower location and will stay open late. I didn't think to ask which spaces those would go in, I'll just hazard a guess maybe on the Akard corners facing Elm and/or the station (just guessing). The chefs upstairs (2 of them formerly of Fearing's Restaurant) did pass along that the restaurants up there are looking at an early March opening still. I'm sure that's tentative. The Akard Station side is still boarded off and I asked about when that side might open up, but, I don't think they know that answer right now, however, there was one mention that hotel lobby doors might perhaps not be accessible on that side.

itsjrd1964
Posts: 1231
Joined: 28 Jul 2018 07:38

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby itsjrd1964 » 24 Mar 2021 16:26

PaperCity reviews top-of-the-National restaurants Monarch and Kessaku.

https://www.papercitymag.com/restaurant ... nt/#334289

User avatar
eburress
Posts: 1103
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 18:13

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby eburress » 24 Mar 2021 20:17

Monarch is awesome and the view from the restroom is pretty incredible! I haven't been to Kessaku yet (it opens tonight) but it looks great too.

itsjrd1964
Posts: 1231
Joined: 28 Jul 2018 07:38

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby itsjrd1964 » 11 Apr 2021 04:13

Ch.5's TX Today lifestyle show looks at the Thompson, including the lobby, spa, penthouse, pool, and the Catbird restaurant.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/texas-today/a-ne ... l/2600588/

User avatar
Warrior2020
Posts: 64
Joined: 28 Mar 2021 09:32

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby Warrior2020 » 11 Apr 2021 15:01

I wonder how the observation deck look

User avatar
undefinedprocess
Site Admin
Posts: 519
Joined: 05 Jul 2020 05:45
Contact:

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby undefinedprocess » 14 Apr 2021 16:34

So I've toured this property now, but even the people working The Residences portion are unsure of an observation deck. Anyone know if there will actually be a public observation deck still? Or have the 49th and 50th story restaurants turned into the "observation decks?" Really would love for it to be a true, dedicated attraction for the public. You'd catch my ass up there all the time if so. :lol:

User avatar
eburress
Posts: 1103
Joined: 19 Oct 2016 18:13

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby eburress » 14 Apr 2021 20:27

I saw the observation deck last night (Monarch's GM Matt gave me a tour). It seemed to basically be the restaurant's event space and not something necessarily available to random sightseers, but "observation deck" is how he referred to the space, so who knows.

User avatar
northsouth
Posts: 187
Joined: 26 Oct 2016 18:59

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby northsouth » 22 Apr 2021 19:06

Part of the black plywood construction fence facing Akard Station finally came down today. I've been riding the train semi-regularly to regularly since 2017, and if I'm remembering right the fence has been up that whole time.

willyk
Posts: 760
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 20:20

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby willyk » 06 May 2021 04:30

Video from DDI

https://youtu.be/oTrTmScKlWY

Todd did such a great job finishing this, but some of the credit has to go to the prior developers who progressed the project but had to step aside. They got things like the abatement and white marble tiles done. I hope they were able to maintain some ownership in the finished product.

itsjrd1964
Posts: 1231
Joined: 28 Jul 2018 07:38

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby itsjrd1964 » 07 May 2021 12:41

Downtown Dallas hotel claims coveted spot on new Conde Nast Hot List

Conde Nast Traveler's "hot list" of the 69 top new hotels in the world, includes the Thompson--one of 3 hotels from Texas on the list.

https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/trav ... tels-2021/

User avatar
exelone31
Posts: 689
Joined: 31 Oct 2016 11:35

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby exelone31 » 07 May 2021 13:25

Nice

willyk
Posts: 760
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 20:20

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby willyk » 24 May 2021 23:11

Made it to the Observation Deck. Very cool, but not ready for prime time and never will be. Access it from Monarch (49). A door man there has to take you up some stairs (no elevator) to the sushi bar (50). You have to cross the sushi bar to enter and exit a narrow hallway that circles the glass exterior. The views are great and it’s an adventure just getting there. But the access is not compatible with a large scale tourist attraction. It will be a haunt only for the cognoscenti, including the readers of DFWUF. Shhhhhh!

User avatar
undefinedprocess
Site Admin
Posts: 519
Joined: 05 Jul 2020 05:45
Contact:

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby undefinedprocess » 25 May 2021 09:50

willyk wrote:Made it to the Observation Deck. Very cool, but not ready for prime time and never will be. Access it from Monarch (49). A door man there has to take you up some stairs (no elevator) to the sushi bar (50). You have to cross the sushi bar to enter and exit a narrow hallway that circles the glass exterior. The views are great and it’s an adventure just getting there. But the access is not compatible with a large scale tourist attraction. It will be a haunt only for the cognoscenti, including the readers of DFWUF. Shhhhhh!

So you just go up to Monarch, ask the Monarch doorman for the observation deck, and you'll be taken there (free of charge)?

User avatar
exelone31
Posts: 689
Joined: 31 Oct 2016 11:35

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby exelone31 » 25 May 2021 10:30

willyk wrote:Made it to the Observation Deck. Very cool, but not ready for prime time and never will be. Access it from Monarch (49). A door man there has to take you up some stairs (no elevator) to the sushi bar (50). You have to cross the sushi bar to enter and exit a narrow hallway that circles the glass exterior. The views are great and it’s an adventure just getting there. But the access is not compatible with a large scale tourist attraction. It will be a haunt only for the cognoscenti, including the readers of DFWUF. Shhhhhh!


That certainly ups its level of cool by a large amount. Thanks for the tip!

User avatar
northsouth
Posts: 187
Joined: 26 Oct 2016 18:59

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby northsouth » 04 Jun 2021 18:55

Last bit of construction fencing facing Akard Station was taken down today.

User avatar
I45Tex
Posts: 896
Joined: 26 Jan 2017 05:52

Re: DD: 1401 Elm and Thompson Hotel

Postby I45Tex » 05 Jun 2021 21:26

Hannibal Lecter wrote:Downtown Dallas landmark skyscraper will shine again this week

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/rea ... this-week/

Image


texasstar wrote:Note the building in the lower left corner of the photo above. The 19-story Rio Grande National Life building only existed for 20 years before it was demolished to make way for the Renassance Tower. Shortest life span of any high-rise ever?


Found a zany 19-story tower in Manhattan that only lasted from the summer of 1897 to the summer of 1910. The Gillender Building:
http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2 ... -wall.html

User avatar
texasstar
Posts: 261
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 22:39
Contact:

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby texasstar » 05 Jun 2021 23:46

Wow, thanks I45Tex! That building was an absolute treasure. New York City is a wonderland of things like this.

Roman_Patrick
Posts: 91
Joined: 16 Jan 2018 14:12

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby Roman_Patrick » 07 Jun 2021 12:57

wow i sure wish Gables Republic Tower would light up the rocket again.. excited to see all the buildings light up at night!

User avatar
undefinedprocess
Site Admin
Posts: 519
Joined: 05 Jul 2020 05:45
Contact:

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby undefinedprocess » 07 Jun 2021 20:01

Roman_Patrick wrote:wow i sure wish Gables Republic Tower would light up the rocket again.. excited to see all the buildings light up at night!

I wish.

User avatar
Warrior2020
Posts: 64
Joined: 28 Mar 2021 09:32

Re: DTD: The National/Thompson Hotel (1401 Elm)

Postby Warrior2020 » 31 Jul 2021 12:51

I went to this building last Saturday and it was packed. I didn't realize how upscale it was. You have to dress nice to go to all of the restaurants. I went to the top and they gave me a fancy coat to put on so I could take pictures. The views were amazing. I got to get up to the observation deck but it really isn't an observation deck but they will take you up to it to see it.