Winter Garden Atrium
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Winter Garden Atrium is a 10-story glass-vaulted pavilion on Vesey Street in New York City's World Financial Center. Originally constructed in 1988, and substantially rebuilt in 2002, the Atrium houses various plants, trees and flowers, and shops. The rear of the building opens onto the World Financial Center Plaza and the North Cove Yacht Harbor on the Hudson River.
Construction
The Winter Garden Atrium, along with the rest of World Financial Center, was designed by architect César Pelli in 1985. Completed in 1988 at a cost of $60 million, the Atrium was originally connected to the World Trade Center via a 400-foot (122 m) pedestrian bridge that spanned the West Side Highway.
September 11, 2001 Attacks
The Atrium was severely damaged in the September 11, 2001 attacksbut was rebuilt during the first year of the Financial Center's recovery.[1]Reconstruction of the Winter Garden required 2,000 panes of glass, 60,000 square feet (5,400 m²) of marble flooring and stairs, and 16 40-foot (12 m) Washingtonia robusta palm trees at a cost $50 million.[2]. Reopened on September 17, 2002, the Winter Garden was the first major structure to be completely restored following the attacks.[3]President George W. Bush was present at the reopening ceremony.[2]
The Pedestrian bridge was destroyed in the same attacks and was replaced by windows facing the former site of the World Trade Center.[4].
The World Financial Center
Located in Lower Manhattan's Battery Park City on the Hudson River, the World Financial Center is a unique focal point for private and public enterprises. Four office towers house the world headquarters of prestigious international corporations, including American Express, Merrill Lynch, Dow Jones, and Deloitte. Public spaces connecting the office towers include the spectacular Winter Garden and the Courtyard, which have provided venues for many notable events.