Wayne Tower is a skyscraper in Gotham City, the headquarters of Wayne Enterprises.
History
Origins
When Solomon Wayne saw the Cyrus Pinkney's sketches he knew he had found the style for a new kind of building,[1] unfortunately the tallest of the buildings, the tower, was unfeasible at the time. Later, as new building materials and technologies (tieing a building's foundation into the bedrock) were developed, it became possible to make that vision a reality.[citation needed]
Solomon's son, Alan Wayne, working with other important members of Gotham elite pushed for the construction of a tower that would stand as inspiration to the good people of Gotham. It was constructed in 1888 looking much like Pinkney's original drawing of it. Many other "Gotham style" skyscrapers followed.[citation needed]
The tower's original name was "Corolla Building", but after the incident in which The Destroyer blew up several buildings of Gotham, Bruce Wayne bought the building.[2]
New Earth
Wayne Tower is the tallest building in Old Gotham City (pre earthquake). It sometimes stands as the HQ for Wayne Industries. However, after years of attacks, it is assumed that the HQ does not stay in one place for long. The Tower is sometimes depicted as having smaller connected buildings which allow for various escape routes designated by the Batcomputer. The tower has twelve gargoyles across the top to "guard" each entrance to Gotham City. There is a hidden thirteenth gargoyle installed later than the others to guard the people entering by air.
It was once broken into by the Riddler, who stole blueprints for all the Wayne Industry buildings, including the Batcave.
There's a special cell at the top of the building that was used to keep Hush locked.[3]
New 52
It was broken into by a Talon prior to the Night of the Owls. The Talon threw several throwing knives at Bruce Wayne and Lincoln March. When March was subdued, the Talon kicked Wayne through the top story window. Wayne was saved, thankfully, using the hidden thirteenth gargoyle his ancestors installed.
Characteristics
Over a 1,000 feet tall, the tower was the tallest in Gotham (pre earthquake). Built as a symbol to welcome all of those who enter Gotham City. For each entry point into the city, there was built a gargoyle or 'guardian,' to welcome visitors. The tower was also tied into the railways lines around it. At the top of the tower is an observation deck covered by a giant glass dome.
Points of Interest
- Observation Deck
- Underground Research and Development
Trivia
- Hush has mentioned that Wayne Tower's street address is 1939 Kane Street. This is an obvious reference to Batman creator Bob Kane and Batman's debut appearance Detective Comics #27 published in 1939.[5]