The Bitexco tower is set to reach a final height of 265.5 meters and the final project cost is expected to go up to $220 million. Designed by American Architect Carlos Zapata, the tower is shaped as lotus petal, considered a symbol of Vietnamese culture. Glass and steel have been extensively used in the construction.
The tower rises 68 floors above the ground and features three basements. It will offer 37,000 square meters of International Grade A office space and 11,000 square meters of retail space spread over six floors. The building will sport sky lounges on the 47 and 48 floors while the 49 and 50 floors will host executive sky lounges.
Korea-based Hyundai Engineering and Construction is the main contractor for the project while Turner International is overseeing the entire project. The groundbreaking ceremony for the tower was held in September 2005, construction started in June 2007 and it is slated to be opened in October 2010.
