The Auckland Sky Tower
By Phin Upham
The Auckland Sky Tower is a telecommunications tower similar to Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree. It functions as an observation deck, but its true purpose is broadcasting. It’s a part of the Auckland casino complex, built in 1994 and used by Harrah’s. On average, over 1,000 people per day visit the tower, which is about half of Auckland’s initial population.
- Sky Lounge is a seating and bar area on the 50th
- The main observation deck is located on the 51st
- A 360 degree dining platform occupies the 52nd
- A restaurant called Sugar Club, and the Sky Jump attraction are located on the 53rd Guests jump over 190 meters off of the tower before being brought back up.
- Sky Deck occupies the 60th floor, offering the broadest view of the city.
The rotating restaurant also offers thick glass flooring, so guests can look down and see the city below them as they dine.
If that sounds unsafe, it’s actually not. The tower is built to withstand winds in excess of 120 mph, and can sway up to one meter in winds higher than that. Elevators have special technology designed to read the building’s integrity and either lock down or slow during times of swaying or stress. The tower can also withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 or less with minimal damage, and there are three fire proof floors that provide refuge in the event of an emergency.
About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media & Technology group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or LinkedIn page.
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