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Port Authority: One World Trade Center To Pass Empire State Building Next Week

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - It's been decades since there was a skyscraper race in New York City, but the race is back on.

WCBS 880's Rich Lamb On The Story

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For the first three quarters of the last century, towers were constantly trying to top each other as the tallest in New York City.

For example, the Chrysler Building surpassed the Empire State Building when its spire, initially hidden inside the building, was raised up. Of course, in the end, the Empire State Building topped the Chrysler building.

After six years of construction, One World Trade Center will surpass the Empire State Building very soon, WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported.

SEE: Chopper 880 Photos of One World Trade Center

Port Authority Executive Director Patrick Foye told Lamb that, weather permitting, One World Trade Center will pass the iconic, Art Deco Empire State Building's 1,250 feet on Monday, April 30.

That will make it the tallest building in the city.

"That's weather permitting. Beyond that there'll be a topping out ceremony that I think will be special," Foye said.

When asked for an estimate as to when that topping out ceremony will take place, Foye told Lamb, "I''m not going to fall for that one! I've got to run. Thanks very much."

Sources told Lamb the ceremony will happen by early summer.

When completed, the new One World Trade Center will be 1,776-feet-tall, making it the tallest building in the United States.

It reached the 100-floor mark on April 2. The antenna will be installed in 2013.

What's your favorite skyscraper in New York City? Sound off in the comments section below.

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