Following yesterday’s marking of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Haute Design Network is taking a look at the reconstruction of the buildings that are rising up again to dominate New York’s real estate. Since ground was broken on construction in 2006, steady progress has been made at the 16-acre site in Lower Manhattan. Already workers have built a memorial to those who lost their lives, with twin reflecting pools now occupying the areas where the towers once stood. In addition, a museum will be constructed beneath the new plaza. In addition to the memorial and museum, four new buildings will take the place of the fallen Twin Towers.
One World Trade Center, previously known as Freedom Tower, is set to open in 2014 at the northwest corner of the plaza. The building is set to become one of the city’s most sought-after locations, with Conde Nast (publishers of Vogue and Vanity Fair among other titles) already signed on as tenants. One World Trade Center, already standing at 1,368 feet, will become the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere when its crowning spire is added. In total the building will reach a symbolic 1,776 feet, in reference to the year America won its independence.
Work on Two World Trade Center, located at the northeast corner of the plaza, has no set date for completion. The building will eventually reach 88 stories high, but until the building’s commercial spaces are bought up construction has focused on the other buildings. Three World Trade Center, set to open in 2015, will rise to 88 stories. Four World Trade Center, located at the southeast corner of the plaza, is set to open in 2013 and construction has already reached the full height of 977 feet.
In these stunning new photos from The Architect’s Newspaper, construction forges ahead. The view from work on the 103rd floor of One World Trade Center is a sneak peek at the incredible views which will greet guests to the observation decks planned on floors 100th, 101st and 102nd. Looking down from the top of the building, the memorial reflecting pools shine brightly. We will continue to monitor the completion of these buildings, which are such a poignant symbol of resilience and valor.
Photos courtesy The Architect’s Newspaper by photographer Tom Stoelker.
