Elevators and Escalades.

The article discusses the rise of super-tall luxury buildings in New York City, focusing on the developers Harry Macklowe and Gary Barnett and their race to build the city's first very tall and skinny condo towers. The main challenge faced by these developers was financing and acquiring air rights from surrounding properties. The article also highlights the impact of these luxury towers on the city's skyline and street level, expressing concerns about their exclusivity and the loss of businesses and shops in the area. It suggests that in a more equitable world, corporations and billionaires would pay taxes to fund low-cost housing. [Extracted from the article]