search

The Real Deal Logo

Trending

Lawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aRent board’s 4% hike will “plunge” buildings into distress: landlordsRent board’s 4% hike will “plunge” buildings into distress: landlords“Investing before the ‘all clear’ sign”: Jon Gray on Blackstone’s $10B apartment deal“Investing before the ‘all clear’ sign”: Jon Gray on Blackstone’s $10B apartment dealHarry Macklowe faces major losses on Miami, Midtown projectsHarry Macklowe faces major losses on Miami, Midtown projects
New York

All that lightning hitting 1 WTC is no big deal: experts

A sophisticated -- and expensive -- system grounds the bolts and protects the skyscraper

One World Trade Center (Jennifer Khordi)
One World Trade Center (Jennifer Khordi)

One World Trade Center is not just the country’s tallest building. It’s also its largest lightning rod. 

However, experts say there’s nothing to fear, as the skyscraper is built to absorb the strikes.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

“That building inherently has lightning protection,” Rod Cooper, president of Associated Lightning Rod Company told the New York Observer. “The needle on top is exposed structural steel that’s attached to the structural steel core of the building, which goes all the way underground. Lightning protection is built into that structure.”

Cooper told the Observer six bolts of lightning have hit the structure since the end of June. He said building owners spend about $50,000 to $100,000 to implement lightning protection systems. [NYO] — Tom DiChristopher