By: Bobbi Zahn, Activities Manager
Thirteen years after the tragedy of 9/11, the Freedom Tower—also called One World Trade Center—opened on November 3 in memory of the World Trade Center. With construction starting in 2006, it is the tallest skyscraper in the United States of America. Furthermore, this building also stands as a memorial and a symbol of America’s strength.
David M. Childs, architect of the Freedom Tower, built one building to commemorate the loss of the Twin Towers. It stands at 1,776 feet tall and represents how limitless the spirit of America is. The Freedom Tower also has room for several memorials in the complex known as “memory foundations”.
Senior Brandon Allan says, “I think it will be a good memorial for all the people who died on 9/11, and it will have people remember how terrible terrorism is for years to come.”
Several companies have moved into the Freedom Tower and business is growing. The building is 55% leased to different companies including Conde Nast, Vantone China Center, and U.S. General Services.
The northeast side overlooks the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Some people have made it a point to see this new building, or planning to. Sometime in 2015, the observation deck will be available for public use. The Freedom Tower also includes highly regarded restaurants.
Senior Taylor Jones says, “I would love to see the new building. I think people are going to positively respond to the World Trade Center.”
Unfortunately, problems quickly came in the beginning with the building designs. The people of New York were critical of the designs because it was supposed to represent their hope of moving on. The Freedom Tower honors the Twin Towers in multiple ways including: same base dimensions, same height of the glass parapet as Tower One, and similar observation deck as Tower Two. Built on Ground Zero, the building means a great deal to America.
Sophomore Marco Terron says, The Freedom Tower will “also help us remember the importance and love of those who fought and for those who lost their lives to save others. It will have a positive impact on America.”