One World Trade Center dominates the NYC Skyline

© EJP Photo

With the installation of a girder on the 100th floor, the One World Trade Center has become the tallest building in New York. Currently standing at 1,271 feet (387m) tall, the “Freedom Tower” has surpassed the 1,250 foot Empire State Building. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the One World Trade Center will become the tallest building in the US and the third tallest in the world upon completion.

Continue after the break for more.

Construction began on the tower in April 2006. Once completed, the office tower will be slightly taller than its predecessor, rising up to 1,776 feet. However, as the case is with many skyscrapers, there has been much debate on whether or not the 408 foot-tall needle that tops the building should be counted towers the total building height. Without the inclusion of the needle, the building would measure at 1,368 feet – the same height as the World Trade Centers original north tower.

More than half of the 104 stories will be dedicated to office space. Restaurants, television broadcasting facilities and possibly more than one observation deck will be integrated throughout the building.

Preserving the footprints of the original Twin Towers, two reflection pools of the 9/11 memorial can be found at the base of the “Freedom Tower”.

One World Trade Center has already been rented out and is expected to be completed in 2013.

Reference: CNN, BBC, SOM
Photo by Flickr user EJP Photo, licensed through Creative Commons.