Property of the Month – Project Team For OWO Includes Legends Hospitality, The Hettema Group and JRM
MANHATTAN, NV The New York City architecture, interior design, and planning firm ofMontroy Andersen DeMarco (MADGI) has completed One World Observatory(OWO), the entertainment,retail, and restaurant center at the top of the new One World Trade Center in Manhattan.
“The 90,000 s/f, LEED Platimnn-certified attraction is designed to be educational and interactive, bringing the visitor through the rich history of the area. The annual attendance is expected to reach nearly 4 million guests,” said MADGI principal Daniel Montroy, AIA.
OWO ‘s three main stories – 102nd, 101 st, and 100th – are located at the top of One WTC, the western hemisphere’s tallest building, whose spire reaches 1,776 feet. The 102nd floor is 1,254 feet above the ground level. Guests begin the experience at One WTC’s street and lower levels.
The project team included developer/operator Legends Hospitality, architect MADGI, experience designer The Hettema Group (THG), and construction manager JRM. MADGl’s portfolio includes numerous prominent rooftop entertainment projects, including the recent renovation of the landmark Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center.
Legends, MADGI, and THG developed the Observatory concept in response to a request for proposals issued by One WTC ‘s owner, the PortAuthority ofNewYorkandNew Jersey. MADGI was the architect for the entire five-story space and THG developed the experience program. “It was a complex, three-party design/build project that required an extraordinary amount of collaboration among two design firms, the client, and a team of consultants located around the country,” said Montroy. “At the same time, everyone understood the importance of the location and emotions surrounding the site, which has resulted in an exemplary collaborative atmosphere and enthusiasm for the project among all parties.”
The program begins at the Welcome Lobby. From there, guests proceed down into the lower level through the interactive Voices of the Building section that presents the history of One WTC, then a section showcasing Manhattan’s bedrock as a symbol of the building’s resilience, and then to the elevators. The elevators are a part of the experience, as traveling video displays of Manhattan’s history and the city’s skyline.
When visitors reach the 102nd floor, they are greeted by a dramatic presentation, called the See Forever Theater, which prepares them to experience the stunning views of the skyline. Following the breathtaking unveiling of the windows, the visitors enjoy the views at leisure and can proceed to engage in activities of their choice-dining, shopping, learning about current cultural events in the city, and other interactive experiences.
