World Financial Center & Winter Garden

Bordering the east side of Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan is the World Financial Center. Most visitors walking the perimeter of Ground Zero wonder almost by accident into the WFC. The WFC is a modern complex of office towers (tallest at 51 stories), shopping plaza, dining complex and a marina overlooking the Hudson River. The WFC sustained major damage when the twin towers were destroyed by terrorists on September 11, 2001 and became one of the first major structures to be completely restored after the attacks. Built on a former landfill and designed by architect Cesar Pelli, it first opened in 1988.

A number of corporations are headquartered here, most notably American Express. One striking feature of the center is the Winter Garden, a 10-story glass-vaulted pavilion with towering palm trees, which also serves as a venue for arts exhibits, music and shows. The only structure of the WFC not re-built after 9/11, was the 400-foot pedestrian that connected it to the World Trade Center.

In 2003 an exhibit was installed to display the recovery process of the World Trade Center in the Winter Garden.

Visiting the center and marina provides a nice escape from the bustle of the area and weather extremes. The plaza and marina provides a view of New Jersey beyond the Hudson River and a distant sight of the Statue of Liberty.

The map below shows the location of the WFC in lower Manhattan. Above are pictures from my visit on June 30, 2007. More info at www.worldfinancialcenter.com.

Photos from top: WFC Plaza, Winter Garden facing East, Winter Garden facing West, Statue of Liberty viewed from WFC Plaza, view of New Jersey from WFC Plaza, 9/11 Display at Winter Garden.

Note: 7/5/08 - The 9/11 Display is longer on view at the WFC Winter Garden.