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Trump in Trouble on Chicago Tower

Bleak outloook makes financing a tall order for 92-story skyscraper

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2008 6:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – Donald Trump's 92-story Chicago tower has been hit by a triple-whammy of the credit crunch, the housing slump, and sagging retail sales, making foreclosure a real danger, the Wall Street Journal reports. Trump, who developed the tower without partners, owes $1 billion on the project but has so far sold only $600 million in condo units and condo-hotel units. He's looking for an extension on a key loan due this Saturday.

Trump says the building—the tallest built in the US since the Sears Tower—can still be a success if he manages to sell the unsold units, which he estimates could be worth $475 million. "It could turn out to be a successful development depending on what happens in the market over the next two years," he tells the Journal. "The job is on time and on budget, and it's a beautiful job and will become an icon of the Chicago skyline."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (1)]

Construction cranes are seen atop the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago on Friday, April 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Pictured is a hazy view of the Sears Tower, left, and the Chicago River, right, from the top of the 92-story Trump International Hotel and Tower. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Donald Trump, right, and his daughter Ivanka, place their hands in cement during topping off festivities for the 92-story Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Real estate mogul Donald Trump talks about his 92-story Trump International Hotel & Tower during a news conference on construction progress in Chicago, Thursday, May 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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It could turn out to be a successful development depending on what happens over the next two years. The job is on time and on budget, and it's a beautiful job and will become an icon of the Chicago skyline. - Donald Trump

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Trump in Trouble on Chicago Tower