The World Trade Center, also known as the "Twin Towers," was built as a result of a massive urban renewal project sponsored by the Port Authority of New York. Begun in 1966 and completed in 1970, the 16-acre site is the center of international trade and commerce. At least 50,000 people work at the World Trade Center and another 70,000 visit each day.
The Center consists of two 110-story (1350 feet each) office towers (One and Two World Trade Center), a 47-story office building (Seven World Trade Center), two nine-story office buildings (Four and Five World Trade Center), an eight-story U.S. Customhouse (Six World Trade Center), and the 22-story New York Marriott World Trade Center Hotel (Three World Trade Center).
The buildings are located around the 5-acre Austin J. Tobin Plaza. The World Trade Center Mall, located immediately below the plaza, hosts a wide range of shops and restaurants.
At 107 floors, The World Trade Center is New York's tallest building and the among tallest buildings in the world. The elevator takes passengers to the glass enclosed observation decks for spectacular views of the city skyline. At the 100th floor is the world's highest outdoor promenade.
Various notable works of art are on display at the World Trade Center. These include works by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, Joan Miro, Fritz Koenig, James Rosait and Masyuki Nagare.
There is a variety of dining choices at the World Trade Center including fast food and full service restaurants. The famous Windows on the World restaurant, with its spectacular view from the 107th floor of One World Center, offers an exceptional dining experience. There are also two restaurants in the Marriott World Trade Center hotel which offer casual dining. They are the Tall Ships Bar and the Greenhouse Caf�.
The New York Marriott World Trade Center has an 850-room hotel with convention facilities and accommodations for business and leisure travelers.