Trump Tower to become tallest building in North America?

With a taller spire, tycoon's skyscraper could overtake Sears Tower to become tallest in North America

First Donald Trump wanted to do away with a decorative spire atop his hotel and condominium tower on the Chicago River. Then Mayor Richard Daley asked him to put it back on the building's plans.

Now The Donald, seemingly unable to resist associating his name with the word "tallest," is setting his sights on an even taller spire, one that could make his Chicago tower the tallest skyscraper in North America.

On Wednesday, City Hall said it was thinking big, too.

Connie Buscemi, a spokeswoman for the city's planning department, confirmed that Trump and the city are in discussions about a taller tower.

"We have not seen the proposal yet, but if this indeed is what they are planning to submit, we certainly are amenable to it," said Buscemi.

The proposed changes to the design come as demolition crews knock down the final pieces of the former Chicago Sun-Times building on the site.

The idea marks only the latest major turnaround in the tower's height and shape. Less than two weeks ago, Trump's architects said the building with the spire would be no taller than 1,360 feet.

Now that height could grow, creeping back toward Trump's first plan to build the world's tallest building.

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