Windows on the World
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Windows on the World was an elegant restaurant and adjoining bar that operated between 1976 and September 11, 2001 in New York City on top floors (106 and 107) of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It underwent a US$25 million renovation after the 1993 WTC bombing. In 2000, it reported revenues of US$37 million, making it the highest-grossing restaurant in the United States. [1]
It occupied 50,000 square foot (4,600 m²) and was located on the north side and allowed guests to look out onto the skyline of Manhattan. The restaurant was not one of the most expensive or respected in New York, but due to the premium location had high prices. The dress code required jackets for men and was strictly enforced - a man who arrived with a reservation but without a jacket was seated at the bar. [2]
The bar extended along the south side of World Trade Center 1 as well as the corner over part of the east side. The bar's dress code was more lax and it had average prices. The most popular time there was Happy Hour Wednesdays, when there was no cover charge. [citations needed]
Looking out from the bar through the full length windows, one could enjoy breath-taking views of the southern tip of Manhattan, where the Hudson and East Rivers meet. In addition, one could see the Liberty State Park with Ellis Island and Staten Island with the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Windows on the World was destroyed during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. At the time of the attack on the World Trade Center, the restaurant was hosting regular breakfast patrons and the Waters Financial Technology Congress. Of those present in the restaurant at the time that American Airlines Flight 11 impacted the North Tower, all perished as a result of the attack. This included 73 restaurant staff, 16 Waters employees, and 71 conference guests. The last people to leave the restaurant on September 11, 2001 before Flight 11 impacted the North Tower were Manhattan executives Liz Thompson and Geoffrey Wharton. At the time, it was 8:44 AM.[3]
It is believed that "The Falling Man" was an employee at Windows On The World but it is impossible to conclusively establish his identity.[4]
On January 4 2006, a number of former Windows on the World staff opened "Colors," a co-operative restaurant in Manhattan that serves as a tribute to their fallen colleagues and whose menu reflects the diversity of the former Windows' staff.
[edit] References
- ^ The Wine News Magazine
- ^ The East/West Quartet
- ^ 9/11: Distant voices, still lives (part one). The Observer (2002). Retrieved on 2006-11-16.
- ^ Henry Singer (director). (2006). 9/11: The Falling Man [Documentary]. Channel 4.
