The World Trade Center (WTC) was officially inaugurated in New York City on April 4, 1973, marking the completion of the Twin Towers. These 110-story towers were not just the tallest buildings in the world at the time but also introduced a unique tube-frame design, symbolizing America’s economic power and ambition.
Despite the idea for the World Trade Center being proposed in 1943, it wasn’t until the 1960s that plans began to take proper form. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey led the project to revitalize Lower Manhattan and establish New York as a global financial hub, a role the WTC would come to embody. Designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, the towers introduced a revolutionary tube-frame design, allowing open office spaces and exceptional structural strength. Construction began in 1966, with the North Tower completed in 1972 and the South Tower in 1973.
The WTC complex, covering 16 acres and seven buildings, provided over 13 million square feet of office space. Despite initial local criticism, the Twin Towers quickly gained global recognition, becoming a defining feature of the New York City skylineand a major tourist attraction. They were featured in hundreds of movies and even served as the backdrop for Philippe Petit’s daring tightrope walk between the towers in 1974.
The WTC became one of the busiest business centers in the world, housing major financial institutions, law firms, and government agencies. Over 50,000 workers occupied the buildings on a typical weekday, with another 140,000 visitors passing through daily. The Windows on the World restaurant, located on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower, became one of the city’s most famous dining spots, offering breathtaking views of New York.
Though tragically destroyed in the September 11, 2001 attacks, the World Trade Center remains a powerful symbol of resilience. Today, the site is home to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the One World Trade Center, and a redeveloped financial district. The inauguration of the World Trade Center on April 4, 1973, marked the beginning of a new era in architecture, commerce, and global connectivity.