Recently construction workers erected a 408-foot spire on top of One World Trade Center, which makes the new building the tallest in the western hemisphere and the third-tallest building in the world.
The placement of the spire symbolically marked the comeback of the city, as well as the country, of the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001 that destroyed the two towers of the World Trade Center. The new building is built near of the former buildings’ site and features 104 stories of prime office space in New York City.
New Yorkers were glad to see the 67-ton spire now atop the building. At night it will be lit, serving as a beacon for miles around, as well as a remembrance to the tragedy that killed more than 3,000 Americans. People stopped in the street and cheered as the spire was raised.
The spire is made up of 19 sections, including three communications rings. It brings the building to a height of 1,776 feet – the year the United States declared its independence. It has function as well as form. The spire is an antenna for a broadcast facility that will be housed in the building.
Construction still continues on One World Trade Center. It is expected to open sometime in 2014. The rebuild will eventually consist of seven buildings to provide office space in New York.
