In 1985, Community Board 5 rejected a 38-story apartment building with an adjacent commercial tower and a 13,000-square-foot plaza.
Two narrow spiral staircases wind their way upwards, in each case between the central building and the adjacent tower.
Together with the adjacent tower, it is one of the oldest buildings in the castle complex.
The building's striking design makes the single structure look like two adjacent towers.
The 30-foot-wide, 80-foot-deep atrium was built because an easement protected the windows of the adjacent tower from being blocked by new construction.
It would also provide a more appropriate setting for the adjacent soaring towers and the transportation center.
An adjacent tower has another 311 rooms, at $300 to $490, but they lack the charm of those in the older building.
It and its surrounding park were built as an architectural amenity to the adjacent tower.
He also built the adjacent tower as part of park that attracted visitors to picnic and ride boats.
An adjacent shorter tower was planned but was never built.