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Freedom Tower changes name to One World Trade Center

It is the skyscraper meant to be the crown jewel of the rebuilding effort in Lower Manhattan. Designed at a symbolic 1,776-feet tall, then-New York Governor George Pataki named the project the "Freedom Tower." But on 3/26/09 came a sudden change. Port Authority officials say going forward, they will only refer to the building by its legal name - "One World Trade Center." "As we market the building we will ensure that the building is presented in the best possible way," said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. "One World Trade Center is its address, it's the one that we are using, it's the one that's easiest with people to identify with, and frankly we've gotten a very interested and warm reception to it." But the man at the state's helm during the attacks says it leaves him cold. "The Freedom Tower isn't going to be One World Trade Center, it's going to be the Freedom Tower," said Pataki. Pataki was the first to trumpet the name, suggesting it evoked America's strength, rising above where the towers stood while paying homage to those who were lost. "One World Trade Center which is what they're calling it, was the North Tower. And I think One and Two World Trade Center are sacred names which should never be used again," said Pataki. However, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that while he would like the name to stay, he believes the "official" name does not really matter. "It's not up to me, I would like to see it stay the Freedom Tower, but its the Port Authority's building and they don't need me dumping on it," Bloomberg said. "And if they need to change the name to rent it all out, then they'll do it. People will call it what they want, for example Avenue of the Americas [is the official name for Sixth Avenue], but it didn't catch on." The name change came to light on what was supposed to be a good news day for the building. Vantone, a Chinese real estate company, signed on as the first corporate tenant. After the event, officials danced around the controversy, saying the change was for marketing reasons. "Let's talk about the reality of the real estate market and popular names. There are a lot of buildings that have popular names. If the Freedom Tower is the popular name as people think about this, that will be the choice of the people and how they think of downtown. On the other hand, this is a piece of real estate, it has an address, legally it is One World Trade Center," said Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward. Pataki said it isn't a site to market as just another office building since it's a new building and, as a result, should have a new name. "This is and always will be the Freedom Tower. It is the right thing. It pays homage to those who died and reflects our commitment that we're not going to think small or build small," said Pataki. Controversy aside, the building continues to rise. Federal, state and city agencies are among those who have already committed to be tenants when it is complete. What they will call the building, however, remains to be seen. One World Trade Center is expected to be completed in 2013.