Rotterdam Tower: Difference between revisions

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===History===
===History===
It is suggested that the building was built during the 1930s. It dominated the skyline just  after another tall skyscraper, the [[Zirconium Building]] was built a few blocks away. The Rotterdam Tower was the tallest building in the world, but was overcome by another unnamed skyscraper in another city. The tower got its name from "New Rotterdam", Liberty City's former name during the 1700s. This is an example of [[Rockstar Games]]' relentless use of parodies throughout the Grand Theft Auto series; New Rotterdam is a parody of New Amsterdam, New York City's former name, and the Zirconium Building is a parody of real-life [[wp:Chrysler Building|Chrysler Building]]
It is suggested that the building was built during the 1930s. It dominated the skyline just  after another tall skyscraper, the [[Zirconium Building]] was built a few blocks away. The Rotterdam Tower was the tallest building in the world, but was overcome by another unnamed skyscraper in another city. The tower got its name from "New Rotterdam", Liberty City's former name during the 1700s; this is a reference to "New Amsterdam", New York's name during the same period.


===The 82nd Floor Observatory===
===The 82nd Floor Observatory===

Revision as of 23:24, 25 July 2009

File:Rotterdam Night.JPG
The Rotterdam Tower at Night

The Rotterdam Tower is a skyscraper on the island of Algonquin based on Manhattan's Empire State Building. It stands as the highest building in Liberty City.

Overview

The Rotterdam Tower is an Art Deco skyscraper located in Midtown Algonquin, in The Triangle district south of Star Junction. It covers its entire block, bounded by Garnet Street to the south, Frankfort Avenue to the west, Hematite Street to the north and Denver-Exeter Avenue to the east. The Tower consists of 102 floors, the 82nd exterior observatory deck being the only one accessible in-game (via the building's main entrance on Denver-Exeter Avenue).

The building is lit at all times by floodlights in the colors blue, white and red, (an inversion of the red, white, and blue seen on the Empire State Building during some American holidays). Due to its great height, the Rotterdam Tower can be seen from nearly all parts of the city.

History

It is suggested that the building was built during the 1930s. It dominated the skyline just after another tall skyscraper, the Zirconium Building was built a few blocks away. The Rotterdam Tower was the tallest building in the world, but was overcome by another unnamed skyscraper in another city. The tower got its name from "New Rotterdam", Liberty City's former name during the 1700s; this is a reference to "New Amsterdam", New York's name during the same period.

The 82nd Floor Observatory

This observatory offers fantastic views of the city. There are multiple binoculars to view the sights and ladders on the east and western faces to go down the bulding slightly to a lower setback on the building. The absence of railings on the observatory makes it a prime hot-spot for suicide jumpers. However, one helitour pilot has mentioned that his brother attempted to BASE jump from the 82nd floor, but was stopped by security guards who "were tubby, but they sure could move!". Despite the height of the building, it is useless for sniping as pedestrians and vehicles do not spawn on the ground, only on the deck. The building is safe from police however, as officers cannot utilize the function to reach the top.

File:Rotterdam Close.JPG
The 82nd Floor Observatory. Note Alderney in the background.

Security

Due to its importance in the city and America, the tower is guarded by police officers with Carbine Rifles. These officers can be found at the entrance of the building. As of 2008, several suicide jumpers have leaped to their fate from the observatory deck. Safety precautions have not yet been taken.

Accessibility

The nearest subway stop is Suffolk LTA on the K/C Algonquin Inner Line in the neighbouring district of Suffolk. The surface exits lead right to the outside the southern face of the building. As said before, the only entrance to reach the top of the tower is on the eastern side, on Denver-Exeter Avenue. An alternative, albeit dangerous way to access the deck, or higher, is to take a helicopter and bailing from it at the top.

Glitch

In multiplayer, a glitch occurs when flying a helicopter through a certain area of the building's exterior which allows players to fly through, and can proceed to fly under the map. A video detailing on how to use this glitch can be found here.