When the 1450 foot tall Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were completed in 1973, these massive office buildings achieved the status as the world's tallest buildings. Quickly restoring confidence to a declining Lower Manhattan, the twin towers also attracted the attention of Islamic extremists. Shaking the industrialized world, the complex was brought down by hijacked airliners. The smoking ruins soon took on the nickname of Ground Zero. While thousands died on September 11, 2001, many more individuals were emotionally scared. Fresh from this tragic nightmare, plans of replacement buildings brought on a powerful debate.
   As public perception mellowed over the years, New York City’s One World Trade Center followed as the lead building in a new World Trade Center complex. Initially known as the Freedom Tower, the 105 story skyscraper stands at a symbolic 1776 feet tall. Said to demonstrate the resolve of the United States, the three billion dollar 1 WTC is the tallest building in the country. Including a three-story observation deck on floors 100 through 102, the building provides three million square feet of office space. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the building was completed in October 2014. The 104-story building was designed to be the safest commercial structure in the world. Occupying levels 100, 101, and 102, One World Observatory offers panoramic views of New York City and its most iconic landmarks.

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