New WTC Tops Chicago's Willis Tower As Tallest In U.S.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A group of architects has decided that the new World Trade Center tower is the tallest building in the U.S., surpassing Chicago's Willis Tower.
The Height Committee of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat met last week in Chicago to decide whether the needle atop One World Trade Center is part of the actual building or the equivalent of a broadcast antenna.
One World Trade Center measures 1,368 feet from ground to roof.
With the 408-foot needle, the building stands at a symbolically important 1,776 feet and 325 feet taller than the 1,451-foot Willis Tower.
One World Trade Center architect David Childs said winning was not the point; he wanted his building recognized as standing 1,776 feet tall because of what that number represents.
The committee is widely recognized as the final arbiter of official building heights around the world.
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