I was walking toward the Barclay side of 7 World Trade Center when I noticed the panels on the base of the building. I couldn’t figure out what their function is. —E.

“It’s the number 7,” explained a rep for Silverstein Properties. “They were designed by building architect David Childs back in 2003.” He said “they” because there’s also one on the building’s west facade. But they’re only visible from the side; viewed straight on, they disappear into the base.

P.S. Yes, I’m E. Once the rep told me what it was, I felt dumb, but I’m running the post anyway because (a) others might have not figured it out, and (b) even dumb questions are worth asking.

Got a question? Email tribecacitizen@gmail.com.

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