HIGH AND BEHOLD: Reporters and photographers yesterday get a sneak preview of the Freedom Tower’s observation deck, to open in 2015. (Paul Martinka)
HIGH AND BEHOLD: Reporters and photographers yesterday get a sneak preview of the Freedom Tower’s observation deck, to open in 2015. (Paul Martinka)
The top of the world awaits.
Port Authority officials unveiled the mind-blowing view from the World Trade Center’s brand new observatory yesterday, a seemingly infinite panorama that captures the entire city and beyond.
Perched atop Manhattan’s tallest building, One World Observatory will open for business in 2015 and is expected to instantly become a major attraction.
Lifted nearly 1,776 feet above the teeming streets below, spectators can point to and ponder just about every single New York City landmark without any extra subway rides.
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The observatory is being developed by Legends, a sport and entertainment company owned and operated by the Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and Checketts Partners Investment Fund. The high-powered group is close to signing a 15-year lease with the Port Authority for $875 million.
“In one of the most important buildings in the world, we’ll bring back the most important view in the world,” said Legends CEO Dave Checketts at a press conference yesterday. “The top of this rising phoenix — a three-story observatory — will restore another aspect of the World Trade Center Towers: their phenomenal views.”
With Yankee honcho Hal Steinbrenner and Cowboy scion Jerry Jones Jr. looking on, Checketts said that the tour will become a worldwide destination.
A 60-second elevator ride will take visitors to the 102th floor, where a video presentation will tell the site’s storied history.
The main observation deck and gift shop will be on the 100th floor with a restaurant slated for the 101st floor.
Checketts said that the observatory’s high-tech touches and roving “tour ambassadors” will distinguish it from other famed viewpoints like the top of the Empire State Building.
PA Executive Director Patrick Foye would not disclose the planned admission price but said it would be comparable with those at other major city attractions.