Sitting frozen in time on the banks of the Mississippi river, it’s been almost a decade since the last tenant moved out of the World Trade Center. But now, new life is stirring in the abandoned hallways as developers slowly begin a massive renovation.
William Hoffman, President of Woodward interests explains the new project will open towards the later half of the 2018 and that construction will actually take two years. Before that initial construction though, they’ll be some interior work that will be starting shortly.
But first, it’s out with the old. Littered throughout the top floors are relics of the past including the rotating restaurant, offering spectacular views of the city and the Plimsoll Club, which has since relocated to the Westin Canal Place Hotel. In addition to the eateries and bars, shadows of businesses remain, including what’s left of our own WGNO studios.
All of it must go, demolished to make way for a new beginning. The new project will feature a Four Seasons Hotel and high rise condominiums with stunning views. Plus a new multi-cultural exhibit and observation deck, both of which will be open for the general public.
The observation deck will offer full, 360 degree panoramic views of the entire city and allow visitors to have a drink while they enjoy a view. It’s something you won’t find anywhere else in town.
It’s going to be another few years before it’s said and done but this deserted building will soon be filled with new life, adding not only another attraction to the river front, but a healthy boost to the downtown economy. The project will add over 450 full time jobs to the downtown economy once completed and It’s estimated that the observation deck will draw another one to three million visitors to the riverfront.