New York City's $4 billion World Trade Center Transportation Hub is finally open to the public - take a look inside
The transportation hub has connections to 11 New York City subway lines and the underground PATH trains that connect New York and New Jersey.
The hub was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, a Spanish architect who has worked on buildings throughout Spain, Switzerland, and Canada. He is currently designing St. Nicholas Church in Liberty Park, another building that was destroyed during the 9/11 attacks.
The Port Authority gave Calatrava the green light to start building the hub in 2005. The exterior is unique, with a wing-like rib structure that is meant to resemble a bird taking flight. The first pieces of the ribs were installed in 2008, a year before the original projected opening.
The original design meant for the wings of the hub to open and close — much like the Milwaukee Art Museum, which Calatrava also built — but troubles with the budget forced the Port Authority to keep the wings from moving.
The skylight at the top is retractable.
The 330-foot retractable skylight will be open on days accompanied by nice weather, as well as annually on 9/11. One World Trade Center is visible through the skylight.
The glass roof is meant to bring in natural light to the expected 100,000 commuters that will travel through it.
Although there are no stores in the hub at the moment, there are plans to open up many popular retail spaces in August.
It's projected to have up to 125 tenants, including popular brands like Apple, H&M, Michael Kors, and Victoria's Secret.
Parts of the hub are still under construction and will open up in phases.
The hub opened to the public on March 3. There was an opening ceremony that attracted television networks, tourists, and locals.
Santiago Calatrava was there, as well.
People swarmed around the world-renowned architect.
Cameras and phones filled the air.
The World Trade Center Transportation Hub is a monument and remembrance of all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
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