Back in business: the World Trade Center re-opens
After 13 years and nearly $4bn, the tallest and 'safest' skyscraper in America is finally occupied
New York City's World Trade Center has reopened, more than 13 years after the original twin towers were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attack.
"The New York City skyline is whole again," said Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority which owns the site, according to the BBC.
Employees from the publishing giant Condé Nast and its corporate affiliates have opened an office in the 104-story tower.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Considering what went on here 13 years ago, it was very tragic, but we are going forward and I think it’s wonderful to have this opportunity to work in the biggest building in the western hemisphere," one employee told the Wall Street Journal.
The 1,776-foot gleaming skyscraper cost $3.9 billion to build and while disagreements over cost, design, security began almost immediately, there now appears to be widespread approval for the simple and symbolic structure.
The building’s architect, David Childs said he wanted the building to be a real "marker" for the city, "like a lighthouse at the end of an island."
With an observation deck on the 102nd floor opening soon to the public, the building's developers hope it will also attract more tourists to Lower Manhattan.
In terms of safety, Foye describes the skyscraper as "the most secure office building in America." It is built with steel-reinforced concrete and its overall security provisions were jointly devised by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
"I’m an engineer and I can add numbers and tell you 'tallest, strongest' and all this stuff," Steve Plate, who has overseen the project since the beginning, told ABC news. "But at the end of the day, it’s the most beautiful building in the most beautiful city in the most beautiful region in the world."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Alcohol-free drinks for Sober October
The Week Recommends These are the best booze-free tipples from refreshing pale ales to bittersweet aperitifs
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Israel's wars: is an end in sight – or is this just the beginning?
Today's Big Question Lack of wider strategic vision points to 'sustained low-intensity war' on multiple fronts
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
How can you save on homeowners insurance?
The Explainer With the rise in extreme weather, house protection is a non-negotiable
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published