One World Trade Center

On your next trip to New York City, make sure to visit One World Trade Center. David Childs of the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the building. It starts at ground level, featuring a traditional square base. As the building gets taller, the edges narrow to create a distinctive eight-sided tower with soaring isosceles triangles. On top, a 408-foot spire reaches up into the sky featuring both mast and a communication platform ring. This impressive skyscraper was built on the site of the original World Trade Center and is also known as the Freedom Tower. Visitors can also enjoy visiting restaurants as well as the One World Trade Center Observatory.

How Tall Is One World Trade Center?

One World Trade Center tops several lists of tallest buildings. The building is 1,792 feet to the tip of the spire and 1,268 feet are occupied floors in the building. One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States and all of North America. It is the sixth tallest building in the world and the Western Hemisphere’s tallest skyscraper.

When Was One World Trade Center Built?

When tourists ask, “When was One World Trade Center completed?” the answer is a little complicated. A symbolic cornerstone of One World Trade Center was laid down in 2004. However, construction of the building did not begin until two years later due to disputes about design, security, and funding. Construction continued well into 2012, when the main work on the building was completed. Then, work began on the spire, which continued until May 10, 2013.

One World Trade Center Architectural Features

Each of the four sides of One WTC has an entrance to facilitate smooth traffic flow for both office tenants and visitors. The cubic base of this building has a footprint the same size as that of the original Twin Towers. Covering the surface of the base, more than 2,000 pieces of prismatic glass shimmer brilliantly when the sun hits them. The One World Trade Center Observatory is an enclosed observation deck that sits 1,250 feet above street level with the spire sitting on top. At night, a beacon at the top of the spire sends out a horizontal light beam, which can be seen from miles away.

Visiting One World Trade Center

With thousands of things to see and do in New York City, one of the best ways to truly see them all is on a double-decker bus tour with TopView Sightseeing. Hop-on hop-off options make it easy to see all the best landmarks and attractions at your own pace. Just hop on the Downtown Tour and hop off at City Hall. It’s then just a short walk from there to head up to the One World Trade Center Observatory. Distinctive SkyPod elevators whisk you up 102 stories in just 47 seconds. The One World Trade observatory is perched at the top of the building, occupying three floors. If the weather interferes with visibility, you’ve got options to ensure that you don’t miss this amazing skyline view: You’ll actually get an invitation to return to the One World Trade observatory on a day with better conditions. This is known as the “See Forever Commitment.” Don’t miss this amazing landmark: Book your sightseeing package online for the best value!