The new World Trade Center building is finally open for business. Publishing firm Conde Nast was the first private company to see its employees go to work in offices at WTC 1 on Monday.
170 of its staffers moved in to some of the space which the firm has leased over 25 floors of the building. Conde Nast will eventually have 3, 400 of its employees work in the 104 story $1.3 billion tower.
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“This is a terrific day for Lower Manhattan, a wonderful day for New York City, and a great day for Condé Nast, ” said Chuck Townsend the company’s chief executive.
Also known as the Freedom Tower, it has taken 13 years for the new 1, 776 foot tall skyscraper to replace the twin towers which were destroyed on September 11, 2001. There have been some snags along the way. Like when the winning proposal of the contest that was held to find a design for it was later proven to be architecturally unfeasible and had to be replaced.
But not everyone is happy about the new tower. Some people are scared to even go in the new building because they fear another terrorist attack.
Comedian Chris Rock echoed this sentiment in his opening monologue over the weekend on Saturday Night Live when he said, “They should change the name from the ‘Freedom Tower’ to the ‘Never Going in There Tower’!”
But in contrast to Mr. Rock’s sentiments Patrick Foye, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, stated. “The New York City skyline is whole again.”
And New York State Governor Mario Cuomo said, “One World Trade Center serves as a symbol of the resilience of the people of New York. Today, as we open its doors for the first time, we remember that strength and courage will always conquer weakness and cowardice, and that the American spirit, defended by proud New Yorkers, will not be defeated.”
1 WTC is only 60% leased. Conde nast will be joined there by the advertising firm Kids Creative, stadium operator Legends Hospitality, the BMB Group investment adviser and Servcorp, a provider of executive offices.
