February 4, 2013 – Five years have passed since Trump International Hotel & Tower welcomed its first hotel guests on January 30, 2008. On Monday, the 339-room River North hotel announced expansion of its trendy bar. Rebar, named after the construction material, has taken over 1,500 square feet of additional space on the 92-story tower’s second floor.

(Left) Donald Trump, Jr. (left in photo) and his brother, Eric, can probably see your house from a construction elevator in 2008 as Trump International Hotel & Tower neared completion on Wabash Avenue just north of Chicago’s Loop. (Photo obtained from Trump International Hotel & Tower. Click on image to view larger version.)

The bar’s interior was “luxuriously refreshed,” according to a news release, adding 46 seats that include 18 window seats overlooking the Chicago River.

“Along with the expansion, the overall look and feel of the lounge space – defined by a [multi-tiered] ceiling, curved walls, and commanding pillars – has been refreshed with an updated layout and plush banquette [upholstered bench] and table seating.”

In late January, U.S. News ranked Trump International Hotel & Tower 129th on its list of “best hotels in the U.S.A.” It was among six Chicago hotels on the list and one of two River North hotels.