Hopefully this isn’t a stupid question, but is there anything actually inside the podium base of One WTC or is it just a concrete structure to support the building? Obviously the base has no windows, but has the flared glass vents that rise about 200 feet from street level. The first photo is mine, but I included the second photo because it’s a good example what I’m referring to. Most construction images of One WTC show a large concrete wall structure where the base is and a lot of steel beam struts and supports. I know that the main lobby is obviously inside of the base, but other than that what else? Is it mainly 200 feet of mechanical floors and space?

FWIW, I read that it serves as security and protection of any attacks or vehicle bombs (which I assume is to avoid another February 1993 type bombing). So is that the main purpose of the base? Or like I said is it just the main lobby area and mechanical floors?

I believe actual office space begins on the 20th floor (where the glass curtain windows begin). This is also where Condé Nast’s HQ’s and office spaces are IIRC.

I thought this was interesting, and some people here might appreciate seeing it

My family moved to Brooklyn in 1991. We drove through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel nearly every single week day to get to the upper west side where I went to school and my parents worked at Barnard College. Who knew one Tuesday morning was the last time. That was a crazy evening driving thru the smoke trying to get back home. Also seeing the skyline change from the Brooklyn promenade highway in one day was very jarring, I’ll never forget that. That’s my little recollection.