But trophy buildings are not the only buildings being snapped up.

Of course, cities have more important things to do than collect trophy buildings by famous designers.

Some buyers will pay a premium for the prestige of a trophy building or because they believe that they can find profits where others cannot.

"It's the greatest trophy building of the Upper West Side."

Production of these trophy buildings will give various advantages to the city.

Investors are spending heavily for trophy buildings, but less attractive office towers draw little interest.

Available space in trophy buildings is extremely limited.

Examples, he said, were stadiums, big office buildings and any prominent structure that might be regarded as "a trophy building."

For the most part, life insurance companies and pension funds remain the major players when it comes to big loans to trophy buildings.

"The need for monstrous, trophy buildings is in doubt."