TikTok is obsessed with this investor who bought 30 floors of a Chicago skyscraper

One of the more unique takes on the POV trend on TikTok: “POV: You bought a 100-year-old skyscraper . . . ”

For those unlikely to ever own a skyscraper themselves, TikTok’s Skyscraper Guy offers a behind-the-scenes look at what that experience entails—think hidden rooms not listed on blueprints, a bottomless pit in the basement, a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and a mysterious safe with no known combination. 

The video, posted last week, has already racked up more than 2.4 million views. “Step 1. How does one acquire a skyscraper,” one commenter asked. “My idea of an impulse buy is a cupcake,” another added.

@theskyscraperguy

Impulsively bought a 100-year-old skyscraper and now I’m finding stuff like THIS😳

♬ original sound – The Skyscraper Guy

Sleuths in the comments quickly identified the skyscraper as the Pittsfield Building in downtown Chicago. Located at 55 E. Washington Street, the 38-story tower, designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, was the city’s tallest building when it was completed in 1927; it was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2002.

The Skyscraper Guy, also known as real estate investor Tom Liravongsa, purchased 30 of the building’s 40 floors and has announced plans to convert most of the space into residential units, Crain’s reported. Liravongsa is founder and CEO of L’Cre Global, a Grand Rapids, Michigan, boutique specializing in real estate and other alternative investments. Fast Company has reached out to Liravongsa for comment. 

On TikTok, as renovations begin, Liravongsa’s spotlighting the building’s original features, including a hand-carved copper ceiling, 100-year-old tobacco shop, and a bronze elevator dial, for his 50,000-strong following. “Owning a skyscraper is a full-time job,” he says in another video, “but somebody’s gotta do it.”

@theskyscraperguy

Owning a skyscraper is a full time job and somebody’s gotta do it…

♬ original sound – The Skyscraper Guy

Since posting his first video in late 2023, Liravongsa has taken his audience of millions along as he demolishes entire floors (costing upwards of $200,000), discovers tunnel entrances 150 feet underground, and walks down 100-year-old fire escapes that are a spine-tingling 250 feet above ground.

@theskyscraperguy

WHAT!!! It cost #howmuch to do a single floor #demolition in a skyscrapper!? Try $200K at least! #follow me #formore and #findout how I #spend #100million

♬ original sound – The Skyscraper Guy

He is also happy to share tips for others in the market looking for their very own skyscraper. “I watched this whole thing like I’m going to go buy a skyscraper tomorrow,” one commenter wrote.


https://www.fastcompany.com/91318771/tiktok-is-obsessed-with-this-investor-who-bought-30-floors-of-a-chicago-skyscraper?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss

Vytvorené 3mo | 18. 4. 2025, 5:10:03


Ak chcete pridať komentár, prihláste sa

Ostatné príspevky v tejto skupine

How AI is transforming corporate finance

The role of the CFO is evolving—and fast. In today’s volatile business environment, finance leaders are navigating everything from unpredictable tariffs to tightening regulations and rising geopol

5. 7. 2025, 13:10:03 | Fast company - tech
Want to move data between Apple and Google Maps? Try this  workaround

In June, Google released its newest smartphone operating system, Android 16. The same month, Apple previewed its next smartphone oper

5. 7. 2025, 10:40:07 | Fast company - tech
Tally lets you design great free surveys in 60 seconds

This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. 

4. 7. 2025, 13:50:03 | Fast company - tech
How China is leading the humanoid robots race

I’ve worked at the bleeding edge of robotics innovation in the United States for almost my entire professional life. Never before have I seen another country advance so quickly.

In

4. 7. 2025, 9:20:03 | Fast company - tech
‘There is nothing that Aquaphor will not fix’: The internet is in love with this no-frills skin ointment

Aquaphor has become this summer’s hottest accessory.

The no-frills beauty staple—once relegated to the bottom of your bag, the glove box, or a bedside drawer—is now dangling from

3. 7. 2025, 23:50:07 | Fast company - tech
Is Tesla screwed?

Elon Musk’s anger over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was evident this week a

3. 7. 2025, 17:10:05 | Fast company - tech