NYC's 'Trump Place' apartments changes to 'more neutral' name

UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- An apartment complex in New York City named after Donald Trump shedded its name in an apparent effort to distance itself from the president-elect.

Equity Residential purchased three Upper West Side rental buildings named "Trump Place" from Trump International Realty in 2005 - 140, 160 and 180 Riverside. The company was contractually required to keep Trump's name on the buildings until just recently when the contract ended.

Since then, hundreds of tenants in the buildings signed an online petition for the name change.

Equity Residential decided to simply rename the buildings to their street addresses. The signs were taken down Wednesday.

"We are assuming a more neutral building identity that will appeal to all current and future residents," said Equity Residential spokesman Marty McKenna.

Residents at other condo buildings on Riverside named after Trump have also started petitions to change the name of their buildings. However, those buildings are still managed by Trump International Realty.