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Nearly ten million people reside within the metropolitan area of Bogota, Colombia's largest city. The sprawling collection of buildings that hug the city's streets have all been eclipsed by what is now the tallest tower in the country. While the 260-metre height of BD Bacata is impressive in its own right, most of the project's publicity has arisen from its unique financial footing. The first skyscraper to be built in Colombia in 35 years is also the very first crowdfunded skyscraper in the world. Over 3,800 Colombian investors own shares in the $240 million (USD) development, which add up to a total of about $170 million.
The 67-storey tower will contain 1.2 million square feet of retail, 405 apartments, and a 364-room hotel operated by Spanish hospitality company Eurostars. Developed by Prodigy Network, a 56-storey office tower has now risen alongside the topped-out main building. Designed by Alonso Balaguer y Arquitectos Asociados, both buildings will be linked via two pedestrian bridges at the 14th and 25th floors.
The building's financial model represents a big departure from the method in which most developments receive their funding. Skyscrapers are usually made possible by large investments from banks and major corporations. BD Bacata puts commercial real estate into the hands of ordinary citizens with a move that is being replicated in cities around the world, including New York, where Prodigy Network also has three other crowdfunded projects planned.
Recent images of the complex from Flickr user camiloeleazar show curtain wall cladding wrapped around the stepped outline of the first tower. The crane has been dismantled and work is now being conducted to cap the project with its crown. The second tower, mostly unclad and sheathed in protective covering, is visible in the foreground of the image below.
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