Is the New World Trade Center Tallest US Building?
By:   //  News Briefs, US News

At 1,776 feet, the new World Trade Center (officially known as 1 World Trade Center) was set to be christened as the tallest building in America. But doubts have been raised as to whether or not the 408 foot needle that sits atop it should be counted as an integral part of the structure. Believe it or not, they have rules for this sort of thing and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat meets this Friday to decide if the Willis Tower in Chicago (1,450 feet) will remain the nation’s tallest building or be forced to step aside.

At issue is the needle that sits on top of 1 World Trade Center. Is it a permanent part of the structure or merely a broadcast antenna which can be easily removed? Right now, there’s not much doubt that the thing is primarily an antenna. The catch is that the building’s designer claims that, in addition to radio and television equipment, the needle will eventually be home to an LED beacon visible from 26 miles away.

In the grand scheme of things, being recognized as the tallest building doesn’t add up to much other than bragging rights, and those bragging rights should pale beside the reminder of tragedy and hope for the future that the new building offers to America, no matter what the height. (Derek Dowell – VNN) (Image: Flickr | Glyn Lowe Photoworks)

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