The newly-built World Trade Center has reopened in New York City some 13 years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The 541-meter skyscraper was rebuilt at a cost of $3.9 billion and will once again dominate the Manhattan skyline, standing as the tallest building in North America.
The building is at the centerpiece of the site where the decimated Twin Towers once stood.
The new One World Trade Center will house the offices of publisher Conde Nast, the government's General Services Administration, and the China Center. Other tenants include an advertising company, investment and entertainment companies. Sixty percent has already been leased.
Conde Nast eventually will have 2,300 employees spread among 24 floors. The first of those to move in were generally enthusiastic, and expressed no concerns about being safe in their workplace.
MaryAnne Cacey said she's proud about working in the building.
“You know it’s a tragedy what happened in 2001, but I think it’s a great tribute to America what they’ve come back and done. I’m proud to work here,” she said.
“There’s plenty of security here. You feel safe, at least I do,” added Austin Parker, an employee of CMS Video Associates.
Some of the principals who were involved in making opening day possible held a brief news conference Monday.
“This is a terrific day for lower Manhattan, a wonderful day for New York City and an absolutely great day for Conde Nast,” said Charles Townsend, CEO of Conde Nast.”
“This is the safest class of office building anyplace, not just in the nation, anyplace in the world,” added Patrick Foye, executive director of the New York and New Jersey Port Authority.
"We give you back as a gift of remembrance, of people we lost that fateful day but also of the wonder of how people pull together to make such a wonderful thing , a wonderful structure in their memory,” Steve Plate, director of One World Trade Center construction.
The Twin Towers were destroyed on September 11, 2001 when al-Qaida terrorists flew two hijacked airplanes into the buildings, bringing them down and killing more than 2,700 people.
