Since topping off in 2012, One World Trade Centre has towered 1,776 feet above Lower Manhattan, or 1,368 feet when measured to roof height. Using the 1,776-foot measurement, the 104-storey tower is now the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, excluding taller freestanding structures like Toronto's 1,815-foot CN Tower, or guyed towers like the 2,063-foot KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota. However, it is worth noting that Chicago's Willis Tower and Midtown Manhattan's 432 Park Avenue both exceed the roof height of One World Trade Center, and are considered taller by many skyscraper enthusiasts who discount spires, and only count inhabited floors.

Rendering of One World Trade Center, image courtesy of Durst/Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

To help illustrate the building's dominance on the Lower Manhattan skyline, we turn to Google Street View's time machine feature, which allows us to turn back the clocks for comparisons between views captured prior to the building's completion and the completed structure in 2014.

In our first comparison, captured from Joralemon Street by Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 5, we can see the impact that the upper floors and pinnacle of One World Trade Center have on the classic Brooklyn Bridge vantage point.

2011:

View from Joralemon Street by Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5, image retrieved from Google Street View

2014:

View from Joralemon Street by Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5, image retrieved from Google Street View

Our second comparison is a bit more dramatic, showing off the postcard-worthy view across the Hudson River from York Street in Jersey City. In addition to highlighting One World Trade Center's addition to the Lower Manhattan skyline, this comparison also reminds us how far Google's Street View technology has evolved since its inception in 2007.

2007:

Hudson River view from York Street in Jersey City, 2007, image retrieved from Google Street View

2014:

Hudson River view from York Street in Jersey City, 2014, image retrieved from Google Street View

Our next comparison takes us even closer, for a north-facing view on New York State Route 9A.

2009:

View from the south on New York State Route 9A, 2009, image retrieved from Google Street View

2014:

View from the south on New York State Route 9A, 2014, image retrieved from Google Street View

An interesting comparison can be found on Google Street View when navigating the Manhattan Bridge, as it crosses above Madison Street. In the 2011 shot, we can see One World Trade's twin cranes popping up from above the surrounding buildings. The follow-up shot, captured three years later, shows the completed building towering over its surroundings.

2011:

View over Madison Street from the Manhattan Bridge, 2009, image retrieved from Google Street View

2014:

View over Madison Street from the Manhattan Bridge, 2014, image retrieved from Google Street View

We would love to see your photos of One World Trade Center in our Forum thread for the project, linked here.