Freedom Tower restaurant planned high up

NEW YORK, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The New York Port Authority has announced plans to lure a restaurant and banquet hall to floors 100 and 101 of the Freedom Tower.

The restaurant, which would include a wrap-around view of the city and surrounding areas, would take over the mantle of highest restaurant in the world, which was formerly held by the Windows on the World restaurant atop the World Trade Center, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Officials said the restaurant, which would open after the completion of the building -- scheduled for 2012 -- would be located directly under the observation deck of the tower.

"This is another step forward in the redevelopment of the historic site. The Freedom Tower is an iconic structure that calls for a world-class dining destination," said PA spokesman Steve Coleman.

PA officials are hoping to attract restaurateurs with the expectation its location would make the eatery "one of the best and most well-known dining establishments in the world."