Yes, the One World Trade Center does have a 13th floor.
While it is a common practice for many buildings, particularly in the United States, to omit the 13th floor from their numbering due to superstition, the One World Trade Center deviates from this trend. It includes a 13th floor as part of its official floor count.
The Tradition of Omitting the 13th Floor
The widespread absence of a 13th floor in buildings often stems from triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13. This superstition is prevalent in Western cultures and has influenced various aspects of design and architecture. Developers and building owners have historically chosen to skip the 13th floor to avoid potential discomfort among tenants or buyers, or to enhance the perceived desirability of their properties.
Typically, in buildings that skip the 13th floor, the floor after the 12th is labeled as the 14th, or sometimes "M" for mezzanine, or even an alternative such as "12A" or "PH" for penthouse. This practice is so common that it's often an expectation in modern high-rises.
Buildings That Embrace the Thirteenth Floor
Despite the prevalence of skipping the 13th floor, many iconic and significant structures, including the One World Trade Center, have chosen to include it. This demonstrates a shift in design philosophy for some prominent developers and architects, moving past traditional superstitions.
Notable examples of buildings and establishments that feature a 13th floor include:
- One World Trade Center: Confirmed to have a 13th floor.
- Empire State Building: This historic New York City landmark includes a 13th floor.
- Flatiron Building: Another architectural gem in NYC that does not skip the 13th floor.
- Original Twin Towers: The former World Trade Center towers also included their 13th floors.
- Hilton International Hotels: All Hilton International hotels are designed with a 13th floor.
These examples highlight that while superstition plays a role in some architectural decisions, many renowned structures prioritize accurate floor numbering or simply do not adhere to such beliefs.
Noteworthy Buildings and Their 13th Floor Status
| Building Name | Location | Has a 13th Floor? | Reason/Common Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| One World Trade Center | New York City | Yes | Modern design, adherence to sequential numbering. |
| Empire State Building | New York City | Yes | Iconic landmark, predates widespread skipping trend. |
| Flatiron Building | New York City | Yes | Historical building, often included in early designs. |
| Original Twin Towers | New York City | Yes | Included as part of their extensive floor count. |
| Hilton International Hotels | Global | Yes | Corporate policy, often for practical numbering. |
| Typical Residential High-rise | Various (US) | No | Common practice due to triskaidekaphobia. |
| Many Commercial Office Towers | Various (US) | No | Marketability and tenant preference. |
This table illustrates the varying approaches to numbering floors, with some architects and developers choosing to maintain complete sequential numbering, even for the number 13.
