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Culture & Lifestyle • Landmark

One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center is a skyscraper in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

One World Trade Center is a skyscraper in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. Opened in 2014, it is the tallest building in the United States and a major symbol of post-9/11 reconstruction and resilience. The tower rises to an architectural height of 1,776 feet (541 m) and has 104 stories.

History

One World Trade Center was built as part of the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site after the destruction of the original complex in the September 11, 2001 attacks. It officially opened in 2014 after a long redevelopment process.

Design and height

The tower rises to an architectural height of 1,776 feet (541 m) and has 104 stories. The height was chosen as a symbolic reference to the year of U.S. independence. The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and developed through a public-private partnership.

Use and tenants

One World Trade Center is primarily an office building and also includes an observation deck. It houses major tenants and forms part of a larger commercial and memorial district.

Symbolism and significance

The building is widely regarded as a symbol of recovery and resilience in New York City. Its location and height connect it closely to the history of the original World Trade Center site.

Key facts

  • One World Trade Center is the centerpiece of the rebuilt World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.
  • Its architectural height of 1,776 feet is a symbolic reference to the year 1776.
  • The tower is the tallest building in the United States and one of the tallest in the Western Hemisphere.
  • The building opened in 2014 after a long redevelopment process following the September 11 attacks.
  • It includes office space and an observation deck.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know One World Trade Center as a major North American landmark and a key symbol of post-9/11 rebuilding in New York, a frequent destination for Canadian visitors and businesses.

Frequently asked questions

What is One World Trade Center?
One World Trade Center is a skyscraper in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and the main tower of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex.
When did it open?
It officially opened in 2014.
How tall is it?
Its architectural height is 1,776 feet (541 m).
Why is the height 1,776 feet?
The height is symbolic, referencing the year 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was ratified.
What is it used for?
It is mainly used for offices and also has an observation deck.
Is it the tallest building in the United States?
Yes. It is the tallest building in the United States.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/One-World-Trade-Center
    Supports: Location, opening year, and status as tallest building in the United States
  2. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/one-world-trade-center-fast-facts
    Supports: Height, floor count, symbolic meaning of 1,776 feet, and general building facts
  3. The World Trade Center / The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — https://explorewtc.com/content/wtc/en/local/learn-about-wtc/one-world-trade-center.html
    Supports: Developer, use, address, and office/tenant information
  4. WSP — https://www.wsp.com/en-us/projects/one-world-trade-center
    Supports: Engineering and design context for the project