“If it looks like an antenna, acts like an antenna, then guess what? It is an antenna.”
On Tuesday, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a Chicago-based council on buildings announced that when One World Trade Center is completed next year, it will be the tallest building in North America.
Mike Segar / Reuters
The CTBUH said since the spire on top of One World Trade Center is a permanent feature of the building and has no communications equipment, it is not considered an antenna and so it is considered the top of the building.
This makes it taller than Chicago's Willis Tower.
Mike Segar / Reuters
This attracted some critics, notably Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel who railed against the decision.
"I just saw the decision. And I would just say to all the experts gathered in one room, if it looks like an antenna, acts like an antenna, then guess what? It is an antenna. That's number one, the Chicago Mayor said. I think (with) the Willis Tower you will have a view that's unprecedented in its beauty, its landscape and its capacity to capture something. Something you can't do from an antenna. Not that I'm competitive. So for all those who want to climb on top of an antenna and take a look, go ahead. I would suggest stay indoors and take a look."
Audio via KOH-AM / Via chicagotribune.com
