In 1983, construction on the Taj Mahal casino resort hotel began in Atlantic City. When owner James Crosby died in 1986, his entire Resorts International properties were opened up to the possibility of hostile takeover. Donald Trump saw an opportunity and purchased a controlling stake in Resorts International for $79 million in 1987. A power struggle ensued, Trump ended up purchasing the Taj Mahal outright for $273 million. Trump slapped his name on the building (as he does), and the Trump Taj Mahal opened in 1990. With 120,000 square feet of gaming space, it claimed to be the largest casino in the world.