Washington: PORT AUTHORITY CROWNS THE JEWEL OF LOWER MANHATTAN AS WORKERS INSTALL FINAL SECTION OF SPIRE ATOP ONE WTC

US Official News

May 18, 2013 Saturday

Washington: PORT AUTHORITY CROWNS THE JEWEL OF LOWER MANHATTAN AS WORKERS INSTALL FINAL SECTION OF SPIRE ATOP ONE WTC

LENGTH: 935 words

DATELINE: Washington
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The Government of USA has issued the following news release:

One World Trade Center now stands a symbolic 1,776 feet high, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and third tallest in the world

As dozens of construction workers perched atop One World Trade Center looked on and applauded the historic milestone, crews installed the final two sections of the 408-foot steel spire at One World Trade Center today. The building now stands a symbolic 1,776 feet high, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the third tallest in the world.

Using a crane located high above street level, ironworkers lifted the final two pieces off a temporary work platform on the roof of One WTC and attached them to the previously installed 16 sections of spire. During the installation, ironworkers set and tightened 60 bolts at an altitude of 1,701 feet.
“Today is a proud moment for our City and State as we crown the top of One World Trade Center,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo. “This milestone at the World Trade Center site symbolizes the resurgence and resilience of our state and our nation. I want to personally thank the men and women who have worked tirelessly over the years to make today a reality and remember those who lost their lives nearly 12 years ago when the World Trade Center towers fell.”

“Thanks to the hard work of thousands of construction workers throughout the region we have filled the void left in the Manhattan skyline,” said Governor Chris Christie. “Today’s achievement is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by so many brave and innocent souls nearly 12 years ago – including first responders like the 37 PAPD officers who lost their lives while heroically responding to the attacks on our nation. More work remains to be done, but today we pause to celebrate this triumph of the American spirit.”

“Today marks a truly momentous occasion for the Port Authority and for the people of the region and the United States,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson. “Beyond its state-of-the-art design and record-setting heights, One World Trade Center stands as a national symbol of hope and strength in the face of tragedy, and today we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women whose skill and dedication have made this milestone possible.”

“With the final section of spire now in place, One World Trade Center stands as the Western Hemisphere’s tallest icon of freedom, resilience and the indomitable American spirit,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Scott Rechler. “We could not have accomplished this momentous achievement without the thousands of men and women who have given so much over the years toward rebuilding the World Trade Center site. Today’s milestone is a testament to the spirit of this great nation and a tribute to all who perished during the horrific attacks on 9/11.”

“Under Governors Cuomo and Christie, the Port Authority made a commitment to the public to rebuild the World Trade Center site,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye.” One World Trade will be the heartbeat of a newly invigorated Lower Manhattan as millions of people from all across our region, the country and the world visit the site.”

“Every day, thousands of construction workers from both sides of the Hudson come together to create a new, vibrant Lower Manhattan,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. “Today’s milestone symbolizes the ability of our nation to rebound and come back bigger and stronger than ever.”

“A true global icon, One World Trade Center today stands as the most desirable and most widely known office address in the world,” said Douglas Durst, chairman of The Durst Organization. “With an unparalleled commitment to the highest standards in design and construction, this one-of-a-kind building has redefined the New York City skyline.”

Before today’s lift and installation, two crane operators climbed 195 feet to enter the crane’s cabin, which is equipped with additional safety cables that allow it to withstand up to 100 mph winds while it sits atop One WTC.

The two sections of the spire installed today stand 75 feet tall. The raw steel weighs just over 22 tons, but with the bolts, stairs, platforms, LED lighting elements and electrical components, the weight nearly doubles to almost 40 tons.

The spire will serve a state-of-the-art broadcast facility that will provide unparalleled transmission services for the region’s broadcast outlets. The Port Authority’s equity partner, The Durst Organization, will oversee construction and operation of the facility.

The beacon at the top of the spire contains 288 50-watt LED modules that produce a 288,000 lumens of light. Once the beacon is lit, it will be visible up to 50 miles on a clear night.

The spire sits atop One WTC, an iconic landmark in Lower Manhattan’s restored skyline. The building is 104 stories tall and features three million square feet of office space. A state-of-the-art observation deck, developed and operated by Legends Hospitality, will occupy floors 100-102 and offer breathtaking views of New York City and the region.

One WTC is more than 55% leased with world-class tenants including Condé Nast, which has leased nearly 1.2 million square feet to house its global headquarters, Vantone China Center and the U.S. General Services Administration. The building is designed to be one of the safest commercial structures in the world. It also will be one of the most sustainable office buildings of its size with a LEED Gold certification.

For more information please visit: http://www.panynj.gov