Fun Fact: The Winter Garden Atrium is a 10-story glass-vaulted pavilion in the World Financial Center. Originally constructed in 1988, and substantially rebuilt in 2002, it houses various plants, trees and flowers, and shops. The rear of the building opens onto the World Financial Center Plaza and the North Cove Yacht Harbor on the Hudson River. Completed in 1988 at a cost of $60 million, the Atrium was originally connected to the World Trade Center via a 400-foot pedestrian bridge that spanned the West Side Highway.
The Atrium was severely damaged on September 11th but was rebuilt during the first year of the Financial Center's recovery. Reconstruction required 2,000 panes of glass, 60,000 square feet of marble flooring and stairs, and 16 40-foot palm trees. Reopened on September 17, 2002, the Winter Garden was the first major structure to be completely restored following the attacks. President George W. Bush was present at the reopening ceremony.
The Pedestrian Bridge was destroyed in the same attacks and was replaced by windows facing the former site of the World Trade Center.
After a chilly morning walking through Downtown and along the river, we headed to the Winter Garden Atrium to defrost and have some lunch. (It was rather an easy choice: Palm trees = warm!) We ate at Cosi, a delicious little deli that made fresh flat bread sandwiches and pizza. I had the Italiano in honor of my Italian heritage, being so close to Ellis Island and all. Man was it scrumptious... and warm. See what they say about palm trees is right!
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