World Trade Center opens - New York City's World Trade Center opened for business on Monday, thirteen years after an al-Qaeda lead attack reduced the Twin Towers to debris on September 11th, 2001.
The reconstruction of the 541-meter skyscraper took eight years and is estimated to have cost $3.9 billion.
The new One World Trade Center stands at the center of the same spot where the fallen Twin Towers were located; close to memorials and museums dedicated to victims of the deadly attack.
The new World Trade Center opens to reclaim the honor of being the tallest office building in North America. Reports indicate that about sixty percent of the building has already been leased and will be used as offices for publisher Conde Nast.
Also, the new World Trade Center opens with offices for the China Center and the government's General Services Administration. There are reports that entertainment, investment and advertising firms are also tenants of the 104-storey building.
Many New Yorkers have welcomed the reopening of the World Trade Center; hailing it as a symbol of the city and country's resilience in the face of terrorism.
The "One World Trade Center serves as a symbol of the resilience of the people of New York," State Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
"Today, as we open its doors for the first time, we remember that strength and courage will always conquer weakness and cowardice, and that the American spirit, defended by proud New Yorkers, will not be defeated," Cuomo went on to say.
This "is a terrific day for lower Manhattan, a wonderful day for New York City and an absolutely great day for Conde Nast," Charles Townsend, CEO of Conde Nast, said.
The new World Trade Center opens amid security concerns about the growing power of ISIS - an offshoot of Al Qaeda - in the Middle East. The main mastermind of the deadly attack on the Twin Towers in 2001 - Osama Bin Laden - was killed by US special forces three years ago after evading justice for a decade.
The new World Trade Center opens with five towers, 55,000 square feet for retail and a center for arts performances.
