One World Trade Center opened its doors (technically, spun its revolving doors) this morning, and Conde Nast CEO Charles Townsend, Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye and several other people addressed the media outside the tower's south entrance at 285 Fulton Street. Unfortunately, situated as we were behind three rows of news cameras, we couldn't make out much of what anyone was saying over the noise from nearby construction sites and the traffic on West Street. One gentleman, pictured above, spoke louder than the rest, though, and we were able to glean the following: "Whether you're driving in ... part of the skyline ... tragedy ... Conde Nast ... couldn't be happier ... World Trade Center and Conde Nast. Thank you." You can probably fill in the blanks, more or less. The words "a great day" were also occasionally audible.
Across the street, away from the press, it was even more difficult to see or hear, but the conversation was more lively. "Who is this?" a touristy-looking man asked us when Townsend's car pulled up. "Chuck Townsend," replied the lady next to him. "Real big dick." It sounded like she meant it as a compliment. After all the talking, the media was allowed into the south entrance lobby in groups of six or seven ("What? This is ridiculous." —someone from ABC). The lobby has incredibly high ceilings and features some colorful wall art, as you can see in the rest of the photo gallery.
As of today, the building is more than 58 percent leased. Tenants include Conde Nast (of course), China Center New York LLC (a division of Vantone Industrial Co., Ltd., which will support Chinese firms doing business in New York), Servcorp (deals in "equipped executive offices and virtual office space"), ad agency KiDS Creative LLC, commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, the U.S. General Services Administration, Legends Hospitality Group (operator of the Observatory), retail development company Westfield LLC, and investment advisory firm BMB Group.
· Finally, Tenants at One World Trade Center [WSJ]
· Condé Nast Moves Into the World Trade Center as Lower Manhattan Is Remade [NYT]
· One World Trade Center coverage [Curbed]
Loading comments...