The new 1 World Trade Center, formerly known as the Freedom Tower, serves as the main building of the World Trade Center. The nearby 9/11 Memorial commemorates those who fell during the attacks of September 11th, 2001, with two deep pools where the footprints of the Twin Towers used to be, and a museum of artifacts and remembrances of the buildings and their occupants; however, it is the monolithic glass tower that will serve as a telling visual reminder of the Twin Towers once impressive stature.
The tower rose to a symbolic milestone of 1,776 feet in February 2009, possessing a more traditional structure in order to complement the existing New York skyline. It consists of a simple symmetrical design with one central spire. Additionally the tower rises from a cubic base with a width almost the same as the Twin Towers, at 200 by 200 feet. The base is adorned with over 2,000 pieces of prismatic glass that are each 4 feet by 13 feet, 4 inches long.
The building is set to include 2.6 million square feet of office space, as well as an observation deck, restaurants, parking and broadcast and antennae facilities.
A must see is the One World Observatory™ which provides unique, panoramic views of New York City, its most iconic sites, and surrounding waters.
Upon entry, Guests are greeted in the Global Welcome Center, where a large video board features salutations in an array of languages, and a dynamically generated world map highlights the hometowns of visitors. All admission is timed ticket entry.
Guests board one of five dedicated elevators to ascend to the 102nd floor in under 60 seconds. Immersive, floor-to-ceiling LED technology in each cab invites Guests to experience a virtual time-lapse that recreates the development of New York City’s skyline from the 1500s to present day.
On the 100th floor of the Observatory, also known as the Discovery Level, Guests experience expansive, 360-degree views in all directions, taking in the iconic sights, surrounding waters and panoramic views of the city and beyond.
The Main Observatory also features the Sky Portal. Guests are invited to step onto a 14-foot wide circular disc that delivers an unforgettable view, using real-time, high-definition footage of the streets below.
One World Observatory™ is located at One World Trade Center in the Northwest corner of the World Trade Center site and is bordered by West Street to the West, Vesey Street to the North and Liberty Street to the South
1 World Trade Center / Freedom Tower is located in the Financial District neighborhood of Manhattan. The financial hub of the United States, the seat of New York City government, and home to some of New York's oldest buildings, the Financial District has an illustrious history. 17th century settlers began building here, and given the many seafarers of the time, boats could be conveniently docked at one of the slips right near the settlements of wooden homes. Right nearby, in the heart of the district is Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States in 1789, also the meeting site for the First Congress. New York City was both the capital of the United States and New York State at the time. The street names reflect the district's fascinating history: Fulton Street, named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat; Maiden Lane, originally called Magde Platje in Dutch; Beaver Street, recalling the once-significant beaver pelt trade, etc. The area today houses some great economic powerhouses, including the headquarters of major banks, the New York Stock Exchange, in addition to the World Financial Center. Contrasts are extraordinary, from old two- and three-story old brick buildings near South Street Seaport to the nearby modern mega-skyscrapers. Some of the numerous other attractions include Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington bid farewell to his troops (also, they have a museum!); the newly-landscaped City Hall Park; the Museum of the American Indian and the US Custom House at Bowling Green; Trinity Church, the first parish church in New York City and the resting place of Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton, among others; War Of 1812 strong hold Castle Clinton; the Staten Island-bound South Ferry; Battery Park; and the Federal Reserve Bank. Sadly, the biggest attraction since 9/11 has been the former World Trade Center site, although, thankfully, construction has finally filled the long-standing gouge in Lower Manhattan's face, and the stunning 9/11 Memorial and its attendant museum are welcome signs of a healing city. And, of course, soaring a symbolic 1,776 feet over the memorial is the new 1 World Trade Center!
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