Freedom Tower changes name to One World Trade Center

It is the skyscraper meant to be the crown jewel of the rebuilding effort in Lower Manhattan. Designed at a symbolic 1,776-feet tall, then-New York Governor George Pataki named the project the "Freedom Tower."

But on 3/26/09 came a sudden change. Port Authority officials say going forward, they will only refer to the building by its legal name - "One World Trade Center."

"As we market the building we will ensure that the building is presented in the best possible way," said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. "One World Trade Center is its address, it's the one that we are using, it's the one that's easiest with people to identify with, and frankly we've gotten a very interested and warm reception to it."

But the man at the state's helm during the attacks says it leaves him cold.

"The Freedom Tower isn't going to be One World Trade Center, it's going to be the Freedom Tower," said Pataki.

Pataki was the first to trumpet the name, suggesting it evoked America's strength, rising above where the towers stood while paying homage to those who were lost.

"One World Trade Center which is what they're calling it, was the North Tower. And I think One and Two World Trade Center are sacred names which should never be used again," said Pataki.

However, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that while he would like the name to stay, he believes the "official" name does not really matter.

"It's not up to me, I would like to see it stay the Freedom Tower, but its the Port Authority's building and they don't need me dumping on it," Bloomberg said. "And if they need to change the name to rent it all out, then they'll do it. People will call it what they want, for example Avenue of the Americas [is the official name for Sixth Avenue], but it didn't catch on."

The name change came to light on what was supposed to be a good news day for the building. Vantone, a Chinese real estate company, signed on as the first corporate tenant. After the event, officials danced around the controversy, saying the change was for marketing reasons.

"Let's talk about the reality of the real estate market and popular names. There are a lot of buildings that have popular names. If the Freedom Tower is the popular name as people think about this, that will be the choice of the people and how they think of downtown. On the other hand, this is a piece of real estate, it has an address, legally it is One World Trade Center," said Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward.

Pataki said it isn't a site to market as just another office building since it's a new building and, as a result, should have a new name.

"This is and always will be the Freedom Tower. It is the right thing. It pays homage to those who died and reflects our commitment that we're not going to think small or build small," said Pataki.

Controversy aside, the building continues to rise.

Federal, state and city agencies are among those who have already committed to be tenants when it is complete. What they will call the building, however, remains to be seen.

One World Trade Center is expected to be completed in 2013.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• skyscraper
• freedom_tower
• one_world_trade_center
• port_authority
• bloomburg

[koncrUno]

the twin towers are way beter that ugly thingshouldent be built re build da twins

[jamwithmates123]

Freedom tower is a better name, it represents what america is all about and is almost a memorial message from 9/11. The trade center collapsed, but americas spirit didn't.

[MattMan276hemi]

@koncrUno its impossible to build it back, why would we do that, it is old out dated and not up to code in design. it should stay in the past and lets show the world that our advancements in architecture doesn't stand still

[AdrianEaston]

Everyone still calls it the freedom tower, who care about its "legal name" the twin towers "legal names" were one and two WTC. We jus called then the Twin Towers. People are going to call this the freedom tower

[v4lkyr]

@jamwithmates123

rofl that ship has sailed

[platinum476]

@TheHEADonWHEELS You're the stupid one calling the Original towers ugly! He's right those new buildings doesn't even represent NYC, just a wannabe cheap imitation of asian buildings!

[platinum476]

Whatever they are callin' this, is not The World trade Center we once knew! I'm sorry freedom tower fans but this concept they'd propose just butchered the site! Yes it is beautiful but damn, this surely doesn't pay tribute to 9/11 and doesn't even represent NYC! The only 2 structures that is surely representing is the Memorial and WTC 7!

[seth5220]

Whatever they name it it says "Kiss my ass, bin Laden!"

[debunkerman]

I never liked the name Freedom Tower. Sounds like a 5 year old child came up with the name. Although I like the new name One World Trade Center, I rather call it World Trade Tower.

[74pbg]

@smithdsmit Lol, the name of the north tower was "one world trade center" too, think about! ;)

[74pbg]

@thecoolguy677 Stay cool! ;) They succeed not every day, and how it would be cowardly if they wouldn't build new buildings, just because a few might try to attack these buildings!