One World Trade Center continues to symbolize hope and resilience

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- One World Trade Center is considered the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and is also a key part of the history of New York City.

At 1776 feet, One World Trade Center is considered a beacon of light in the New York City skyline. The iconic building opened on Nov. 3, 2014.

On its 10th anniversary, many people, including a couple from Portland, stopped to reflect on its history.

"It’s definitely inspiring," said Rahul Ghadge. "Instead of choosing it as a moment of weakness, we chose it as a moment of strength. In mourning but also to remember them in strength."

One World Trade Center is a main component of the rebuilding of the World Trade Center Campus at Ground Zero.

It was built after the Twin Towers collapsed on Sept. 11. 

"It's sad and emotional but also inspiring that you can build something beautiful out of a horrible situation," said Nikki Ismayilov.

The state-of-the-art tower has 104 floors and 3.1 million square feet. 

It was designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill and built by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as well as The Durst Organization in a public-private partnership.

"It's a super impressive building and a beautiful monument too," said Eric Hoyt. "How quickly it was built back is sort of proof of America's resilience."

For many New Yorkers, the tower is a symbol of hope.

The skyscraper is also home to the One World observatory.

It opened in 2015 and around 15 million people have visited that space since then.