One World Trade Center opens its doors to tenants today, thirteen years after the twin towers were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The first occupier to move into the building is publisher Condé Nast, which has begun the process of relocating 3,400 staff from Times Square to floors 20 to 44 of the 104 storey lower Manhattan skyscraper.
“It’s long anticipated and we’re looking forward to it,” said Condé Nast spokesperson Patti Rockenwagner, ahead of the move.
At 1,776 feet tall, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Its observation deck offers spectacular views as far as the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Jersey shore to the south.
It was originally dubbed the Freedom Tower and was scheduled to open in 2006. This was subsequently delayed until 2011 and then until 2012 as the cost of the construction project almost doubled.
The steel and glass tower has been developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and is managed and leased by The Durst Organization.
For many, today’s opening will be an emotional milestone. For others, it is a symbol of the rebirth of the area which became known as Ground Zero.
“The New York skyline has been restored,” said Patrick Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority.
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