Who proposed the idea of a mile-high tower to house a significant number of Manhattan residents?

The concept of a mile-high tower designed to accommodate a substantial population within a single structure was introduced by Frank Lloyd Wright. This visionary idea, known as the "Illinois" or "mile-high" skyscraper, was proposed in 1956. Wright envisioned a towering structure that would provide not only residential units but also spaces for recreation, business, and community amenities, effectively creating a vertical city. His design was rooted in ideas about urban density and the potential for skyscrapers to address the challenges of overpopulation in urban areas.

Wright's approach was noteworthy because it sought to combine multiple aspects of city life into one massive vertical space, thus minimizing the spread of urban sprawl and maximizing the use of land. This innovative thinking was consistent with his broader architectural philosophy, which emphasized harmony between human habitats and their environments. The concept, while not realized, showcases Wright's forward-thinking ideas about architecture and urban planning.