One World Trade Center | Manhattan

One World Trade Center—also known as One WTC or Freedom Tower—is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It stands not only as the tallest building in the United States but also as a powerful symbol of resilience, remembrance, and renewal following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Basic Facts

Height: 1,776 feet (541 meters) including spire — a symbolic reference to the year of American independence.

Floors: 104 stories (including mechanical and observation levels).

Location: 285 Fulton Street, Lower Manhattan.

Architect: David Childs (of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill).

Construction Timeline:

Groundbreaking: April 27, 2006

Topped out: May 10, 2013

Opened: November 3, 2014

Design and Architecture

One WTC has a modern, minimalist aesthetic with a strong symbolic dimension.

Its base is a 200-foot square, mirroring the original Twin Towers' footprint.

The tower’s shape is a tapered octagon—a cube rotated 45 degrees on its axis and stretched upward, resulting in a faceted form that catches and reflects light.

Clad in glass and steel, the building is highly reflective, appearing different at various times of the day.

A 408-foot spire at the top brings the structure to its symbolic height of 1,776 feet and functions as a broadcast antenna.

Symbolism

The tower represents the rebirth of Ground Zero and America's enduring values of freedom and perseverance.

Its height (1,776 ft) directly alludes to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, reinforcing its role as a national icon.

The building’s name, “One World Trade Center,” revives the original name of the North Tower of the original Twin Towers.

Tenants and Use

Primarily used as office space, housing major companies including Condé Nast, Servcorp, and government agencies.

Approximately 3 million square feet of space, with large, column-free floors, advanced technology, and high safety standards.

The building is part of a larger effort to revitalize Lower Manhattan as a commercial and cultural hub.

Observation Deck – One World Observatory

Located on floors 100–102.

Opened to the public on May 29, 2015.

Features:

SkyPod elevators: Travel from ground to 102nd floor in under 60 seconds, with an immersive time-lapse video of NYC's development.

Sky Portal: A 14-foot-wide circular glass disc that provides a real-time high-definition view of the streets below.

Views: Panoramic vistas of New York City, New Jersey, and beyond—on clear days, visibility extends for over 50 miles.

Security and Safety Features

Built with advanced security and safety systems, including:

A reinforced concrete core.

Wider, pressurized stairwells with emergency lighting.

Enhanced fireproofing and ventilation systems.

Blast-resistant materials and restricted access zones.

Designed in consultation with law enforcement and counterterrorism experts.

Sustainability

Certified LEED Gold for energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable design.

Features include rainwater harvesting, daylight maximization, and renewable energy integration.

Memorial and Site Context

Adjacent to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which honors the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The original Twin Towers stood just to the south of One WTC’s current location.

The full WTC complex includes other buildings such as 2 WTC, 3 WTC, 4 WTC, 7 WTC, and Liberty Park.

Cultural and Emotional Significance

One World Trade Center is more than just an office tower—it is a symbol of healing and strength.

It reflects the spirit of those who were lost and the determination to rebuild stronger and with purpose.

Its silhouette has become a new part of the New York City skyline, reminding the world of the city's unbreakable character.

One World Trade Center stands today not only as an architectural marvel but as a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring ideals of freedom and progress in the face of adversity.