Soaring above the city at 1,776 feet, One World Trade Center will be America's tallest building - and an indelible New York landmark. Designed by David M. Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 2.6-million-square-foot building will include office space, an observation deck, world-class restaurants, and broadcast and antennae facilities.Begun by Silverstein Properties in April 2006 and taken over by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, construction has accelerated in the last year.
An expansive public lobby will be topped by a series of mechanical floors, comprising the base level of 1WTC. Above this base will be sixty-nine office floors, including two television broadcast floors, mechanical floors, and two restaurants. Atop this, there will be an observation deck and a glass-metal parapet. The crown of the project is a communications platform and a 408-foot, cable-stayed antenna, designed in collaboration with artist Kenneth Snelson. Sustainable design is central to One WTC's development, integrating renewable energy, interior daylighting, reuse of rainwater, and recycled construction debris and materials. The below-grade concourses will include approximately 55,000 square feet of retail space and connect to an extensive transportation network.
One WTC will incorporate advanced life-safety systems that exceed New York City building code requirements. From structural redundancy to dense fireproofing to biochemical filters, it will create a new standard for high-rise buildings. Extra-wide pressurized stairs, multiple backups on emergency lighting, and concrete protection for all sprinklers will ensure optimal firefighter access. Exits are designed to ensure easy evacuation, and all safety systems will be encased in the core wall, with the enhanced elevators. Safe, sustainable, artistically dynamic - One WTC will stand as a shining beacon for New York's transformed Downtown.