One World Trade Center ruled tallest building in country, but must add eleven feet

Chicago--Last week, the Council on Really Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat met--ironically--in the basement of a Chicago skyscraper to vote on which building is currently the tallest in the United States. The reason for the gathering (besides the free drinks and deep dish pizza): the still-under-construction gleaming One World Trade Center in New York City topped off months ago at 1,776 feet, including the 408-foot spire perched at the top. The debate and vote centered around whether or not to include the spire in the tower's overall height. If excluded, the Willis Tower, at 1,451 feet, would remain the tallest in the country, surpassing the building-only height of the 1WTC by 83 feet. The meeting lasted nearly six hours and eventually the 25-member council unanimously voted to make 1WTC king of all U.S. skyscrapers. However, there is a stipulation. One World Trade Center must add eleven feet to the spire bringing the tower to 1,787 feet. The reason behind the addition: "I'm a U.S. Constitution guy," said a smiling Brett Stevenson, chair of the Council on Really Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. "Yeah, the Declaration of Independence is great and all. And, yes, I get the whole 1776 thing, but the Constitution is just so awesome, and it was created in 1787. I think 'We the People' is  more representative of the American vibe." Though 'extremely disappointed,' 1WTC developers will 'reluctantly comply' and add eleven feet to the top.