Exciting news from New York City today as a new design for the city’s Freedom Tower, the successor to the demolished World Trade Center, was made public. For the patriot in all of us, it will stand at 1776 feet, making it the second tallest building in the world, and a symbol of American resolve.
The building, to be further discussed in a press conference later today, will be the center of a $12 billion rebuilding effort.
At a more secure 90 feet from West Street, the Freedom Tower will stretch 69 stories from a fortified base to an observation deck at 1,362 feet, and a glass parapet at 1,368 feet, making the height at that point equal to the heights of the twin towers, according to Bloomberg.
From there, the building will rise above where the fallen buildings once stood. A spire supporting TV broadcasting antennas will lift the height to 1776 feet, symbolizing the year the United States of America declared independence from Britain.
The spire will emit light, evoking the Statue of Liberty’s torch and serving as a “beacon of freedom,” as worded in the plans.
“The Freedom Tower will not only be a tremendous icon, it will also be an economic engine generating thousands of jobs for New Yorkers,” said Governor Pataki.
“This new design reflects a soaring tribute to freedom and a bedrock commitment to safety and security.”
The tower will have 200-foot by 200-foot base, the same as the twin towers. The base, with “shimmering metal surface” rises 200 feet with a 80-foot-high public lobby with 2.6 million square feet of office space towering 69 stories above.
The square format includes eight “tall isosceles triangles,” the cross section of which forms a perfect octagon.
“This spectacular addition to our skyline will be a commanding architectural symbol while addressing the security concerns we face in today’s world,” said NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
“For generations to come, the Freedom Tower will be a symbol of New Yorkers’ resolve and a powerful beacon of freedom to people around the world.”
The architect of the skyscraper explained what the building meant to him.
“Freedom Tower is a bold and simple icon that acts as a marker in the sky for the memorial below,” Childs, said. “While the memorial, carved out of the earth, speaks of the past and of remembrance, Freedom Tower speaks of optimism and the future as it rises into the sky.”
And it’s fine with this reporter if the tower serves as giant middle finger to the architects of death who sought its destruction. The skyline will be rebuilt, and built better, a symbol of the resolve of our compatriots, a promise that we will not be defeated. We’re still mad about it. We won’t forget.
