6 World Trade Center
| Company type | Office building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Office space, federal government offices |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Fate | Demolished due to damage from September 11 attacks |
| Headquarters | New York City, New York , United States |
| Products | Office space for U.S. Customs Service and other federal agencies |
6 World Trade Center was a seven-floor office structure located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, notable for being the shortest tower within the original World Trade Center complex. Completed in 1974, it served as the U.S. Customs House for the city. The building was ultimately demolished in late 2001 following extensive damage caused by the fall of the North Tower during the events of the September 11 attacks. Presently, its former location accommodates the new One World Trade Center alongside the Perelman Performing Arts Center.
History
The inception of 6 World Trade Center dates back to 1968 as a component of the initial World Trade Center development. The building's design was crafted by architects Minoru Yamasaki and Emery Roth & Sons, with construction finalized in 1973 for this eight-story edifice. From 1974 until its destruction in 2001, it housed the offices of the U.S. Customs Service for New York.
Tenants
Before the September 11 attacks, occupants of 6 World Trade Center included:
| Floor Number | Organizations |
|---|---|
| 7 | US Customs Service |
| 6 | United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Department of Labor, US Export Assistance Center |
| 5 | — |
| 4 | — |
| 3 | — |
| 2 | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives |
| P | Connection via north bridge to World Financial Center; escalators from 1WTC lobby |
| C | Areas for storage, loading docks, lower lobby, and firing range |
September 11 attacks and cleanup
The collapse of the North Tower during the September 11 attacks caused significant destruction to much of 6 World Trade Center. Amidst the rubble, two steel beams formed a cross-shaped figure—referred to as the World Trade Center cross—which is now exhibited at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Following this event, the remaining structure was dismantled by AMEC Construction to prepare the site for reconstruction. Due to structural compromise, cables were employed to bring down the weakened building. The site where 6 World Trade Center once stood is currently occupied by the new One World Trade Center and the Perelman Performing Arts Center.