Scenic USA - New York

Each day Scenic USA presents a new and interesting photo feature from somewhere in the United States. Chosen from a wide variety
of historic sites, city scenes, backcountry byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a brief explanation. For further detailed
information, links to other sites are provided, but are never to be considered an endorsement.

One World Trade Center

Photo by Amanda Haddox
Amanda Haddox Photography

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 has mellowed over the years, New York City�s One World Trade Center is proceeding as the lead building in a new World Trade Center complex. Initially known as the Freedom Tower, the 105 story skyscraper will stand at a symbolic 1776 feet tall. Said to demonstrate the resolve of the United States, the three billion dollar 1 WTC will be the tallest building in the country. Including a three-story observation deck on floors 100 through 102, the building will provide over two and a half million square feet of office space. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the building foundation was completed on January 14, 2009. With office space already leased, the building is rising a story a week and is set to open in 2013.