Winter Garden in ruins Winter Garden Reconstruction The 45,000-square foot Winter Garden, reopened in September 2002, is the centerpiece of the World Financial Center. The grand public space suffered severe damage on its east side during the attack on the World Trade Center. The restoration project included replacing 2,000 glass panes or nearly 70% of the arched ceiling, half of the grand staircase and the marble flooring, and all 16 of the 40-foot Washingtonia robusta palm trees. The North Bridge, the 400-foot pedestrian bridge connecting the World Trade Center to the World Financial Center was crushed during the attack and was replaced with glass windows facing east.