See 12 Amazing Photos of the World Trade Center Under Construction

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When planning began on the World Trade Center towers, they were only supposed to be 100 ft. taller than the 1,250-ft. Empire State Building, which was still the world’s tallest at that point. But on Dec. 23, 1970—45 years ago—when the North Tower finally “topped out” at its highest height, it had gained even a few more feet on that estimate, reaching 1,368 ft. by the Port Authority’s count.

But the noteworthy nature of the towers wasn’t just a matter of friendly competition among city landmarks. These construction photos make clear that they were a feat of engineering. Viewed in hindsight, of course, it is not just impressive but also bittersweet to see the birth of a building that would meet such a tragic end.

Today, the One World Trade Center tower measures 1,776 ft.

Read original coverage of the plan to build the World Trade Center, here in the TIME Vault: Onward & Upward

An elevated view of the construction site for the World Trade Center, New York City, circa 1966.
An elevated view of the construction site for the World Trade Center, New York City, circa 1966. Hulton Archive—Getty Images
The pouring of first concrete for the World Trade Center in New York City is shown in September 1966.
The pouring of first concrete for the World Trade Center in New York City is shown in September 1966.AP Photo
Construction at World Trade Center in New York City on April 16, 1968.
Construction at World Trade Center in New York City on April 16, 1968. Robert Kradin—AP Photo
Steelworkers guide a 34 ton steel grillage into place 70 feet below street level at the site of the World Trade Center in New York, August 6, 1968. The grillage is a complex of steel constructed in three tiers and is the first of 28 that will support the core columns of the 1350 foot high north tower. The grillage is 11 feet wide, 15 feet long, and 7 feet high.
Steelworkers guide a 34-ton steel grillage—the first of 28 that will support the North Tower's core columns—into place 70 feet below street level at the site of the World Trade Center in New York, Aug. 6, 1968. Anthony Camerano—AP Photo
Kangaroo cranes in position at the excavation site for the World Trade Center in New York, December 13, 1968.
Kangaroo cranes in position at the excavation site for the World Trade Center in New York, Dec. 13, 1968.Fox Photos—Getty Images
View of the World Trade Center under construction, with a sign announcing the completion schedule, circa 1969, New York City,
View of the World Trade Center under construction, with a sign announcing the completion schedule, circa 1969, New York City, Hulton Archive—Getty Images
The new World Trade Center is shown under construction in New York City, August 1969.
The new World Trade Center is shown under construction in New York City, August 1969. AP Photo
Aerial view of World Trade Center during construction, August 14, 1969.
Aerial view of World Trade Center during construction, August 14, 1969. Gordon Rynders—NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
World Trade Center from the construction site in New York City on Oct. 20, 1970.
World Trade Center from the construction site in New York City on Oct. 20, 1970. Jim Wells—AP Photo
Workers add a new section to the top of the World Trade Center Building in New York, October 23, 1970, making its height some 1,254 feet, four feet taller than the Empire State Building.
Workers add a new section to the top of the World Trade Center Building in New York, Oct. 23, 1970, making its height some 1,254 feet, four feet taller than the Empire State Building. AFP—Getty Images
Construction of one of the twin towers at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, New York City, on October 20, 1970. In the background at right is the Empire State Building with its antenna.
Construction of one of the twin towers at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, New York City, on Oct. 20, 1970. In the background at right is the Empire State Building with its antenna. Jim Wells—AP Photo
World Trade Center 1970
A 36-foot long, 4-ton column is hoisted atop the new world's tallest building, the World Trade Center, still under construction in New York City, Dec. 23, 1970. Anthony Camerano—AP Photo

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Write to Lily Rothman at lily.rothman@time.com