A GIANT RISES
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanFor years now, the Empire State Building had gained its towering status as the tallest building against the expansive New York City skyline watching over the city that never sleeps.
Today, a steel column was hoisted up close to the clouds onto the structure that will be known as 1 World Trade Center again. After many years, this building will now reclaim its ‘tallest building’ prominence once more. Today marked a new chapter of healing and today takes on much more meaning than just a building being erected. This is a symbol of strength and fortitude of the American people.
It will rise higher than the Empire State Building by 21 feet and stand brazenly at a rising 1271 feet protecting the city of cultural diversity.
It has taken time and patience to get to this point that we have arrived at. The profile of Lower Manhattan has changed since 9/11. Many large firms moved out of the area making their home in New Jersey due to lower rents, a constant reminder of our tough economic times. But now more people are moving to Lower Manhattan than ever before, over 60,000 residents. Companies such as Priceline have set up their offices here. One of the most influential companies in the media world, Conde Nast, will be one of the first occupants of the new skyscraper.
As the sun rises, a tower has once again made its towering presence visible in the sky at the southern end of Manhattan. The magnificent 1 World Trade Center will stretch as high as 1368 feet at the rooftop parapet, the same height as the original World Trade Center. Next year, as an antenna is lifted to the peak; the building will cap off at 1776 feet.
There will be 3 top-floor observation decks with a birds-eye view of the city. The first 90 floors will be office space, the next ten floors will be designated for air conditioning, heating and electrical equipment.
Buildings have battled to be the giant in the New York skyline. First it was the Chrysler Building in 1929 and then it was overtaken by the Empire State Building. Then the first World Trade Center came along and became the champion, or at least in New York City. The tallest building in the United States is Willis Tower in Chicago which is also known as the Sears Tower.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the absolute tallest building in the world.
1 World Trade Center will now complete New York City and unify the neighborhoods setting forth the message, “We are back for good!”
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