Freedom Tower Officially New York’s Tallest Building. America: F**k Yeah!

Nearly 11 years after terrorists took down the World Trade Center towers, the structures’ replacement is now the tallest building in New York City.

As of 2:09 p.m., the Freedom Tower became the tallest building in the Big Apple — and the third tallest building in the world.

Two constructions workers at One World Trade Center today attached a vertical beam to the top of the structure, making it a symbolic 1,776 feet tall (for anyone who’s not a history buff, 1776 was the year the Declaration of Independence was signed).

Construction crews have been working on the new tower for about six years, and it now passes the Empire State Building as New York’s tallest structure.

“It has taken a long time but this is probably the most complicated construction site any place ever and I think what we’ve shown is that democracy works, we can let lots of people participate in the decision making process,” Mayor Mike Bloomberg said this morning.

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement this afternoon:

“Today marks a milestone for One World Trade Center as the building becomes New York City’s tallest skyscraper, reclaiming its place in the skyline and showing to the world the resilience of the people of our state and nation. With today’s achievement, we pause to recall the heinous acts of terrorism that brought down the twin towers and claimed the lives of thousands of Americans, and we also honor the extraordinary courage of our first responders. The new World Trade Center is more than just a skyscraper: it is a symbol of the enduring spirit of the City and State of New York, representing our commitment to rebuilding stronger than before. One World Trade Center will be the hub of new economic growth in Lower Manhattan and for the entire metropolitan region, attracting major businesses from across the globe and providing a workplace for thousands of New Yorkers. I thank the many contractors, iron workers and laborers for their hard work, without which this milestone would not have been possible.”

Once the structure is complete, the Freedom Tower will have 104 floors, and more than three million square feet of office space.

The tower is expected to be completed by 2015.