By Tanay Warerkar | Curbed NY
In a ceremony packed with construction workers, news crews, and real estate folk, the final bucket of concrete made its way to the top of 3 World Trade Center, marking the topping out of this 1,079-foot supertall tower. The 80-story building was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and spans 2.5 million square feet. Once complete in 2018, it will be the fifth tallest tower in New York City.
"I just turned 85, and this project continues to be the passion of my life," Larry Silverstein, the head of Silverstein Properties, the developer of the building, and much of the WTC site said about the firm’s overall development at the site. "Today we celebrate New York’s construction workers whose dedication and determination have helped us reach this great milestone. It also reminds us of how far we have come: 3 WTC will be the newest addition to a neighborhood that has been amazingly transformed and revitalized over the past 15 years."
Though 3 WTC hasn’t announced its commercial tenants yet, there’s news now on the tenants that will occupy the five floors of retail at the building. Retail will be spread out on two levels below ground, one at street level, and two above ground. Tenants announced so far include Tiffany’s on the ground and second floor, British steakhouse Hawksmoor’s first US restaurant on the third floor, and a Ladurée outpost on the ground floor. Retailers below ground include Bose, Tissot, and Mont Blanc.
At the topping out ceremony on Thursday, Pat Foye, the executive director of the Port Authority, Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, and the other speakers all heaped praise on the efforts of the construction workers at the site. They then proceeded to sign the last bucket of concrete just before it made its rapid ascent to the top. Work on the structure will be complete sometime in 2017, and the building will be ready for occupancy in 2018.
