Watch CBS News

Port Authority Shows Off Glass For One World Trade Center

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - The public was given a sneak peek Tuesday of what the base of the new One World Trade Center will look like once it's completed in 2013.

WCBS 880's Rich Lamb On The Story

Podcast

The new design for the exterior cladding on One World Trade Center features horizontal stainless steel panels behind vertical glass fins going up the 20 stories of the fortress-like base.

One World Trade Center glass sample
One World Trade Center glass sample (credit: Port Authority)

RELATED: CBSNewYork - Remembering 9/11

Rendering of One World Trade Center base at night (credit: Port Authority)
Rendering of One World Trade Center base at night (credit: Port Authority)

"They will reflect light during the day and the night and give the building's base a distinctive look," said Port Authority executive director Patrick Foye on Tuesday. "In the evening, the combination of the water and the lights on the memorial pools we think, frankly, will be picked up by the glass on the podium at One World Trade Center and it's consistent with the overall aesthetic of the site."

Rendering of One World Trade Center base during the day
Rendering of One World Trade Center base during the day (credit: Port Authority)

Foye calls the concept superior aesthetically and cost-effective.

One World Trade Center night lighting sample
One World Trade Center night lighting sample (credit: Port Authority)

"It is going to save the Port Authority about $8-to-$12 million and the product will be manufactured by an Italian company located in Greenwich and Windsor, Connecticut," he said on Tuesday.

What do you think of the look? Sound off in the comments section below!

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.