The sight of windowless skyscrapers looming in major US cities, including the iconic New York City, has sparked curiosity and fueled wild speculations about their clandestine purposes. From alien hideouts to training schools for spies, the theories have run rampant. Even Hollywood star Tom Hanks couldn’t resist pondering the enigma. However, the real story behind these mysterious buildings is far less thrilling than the conspiracy theories suggest.
This is the scariest building I've ever seen! WTF goes on inside?? Hanx. pic.twitter.com/nXeUI64rXm
— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) June 2, 2017
Unearthing the Truth: AT&T’s Long Lines Network
The windowless buildings that have captured the imagination of many are, in fact, part of AT&T’s long lines network, as revealed by Eric Guidry, a TikTok user who goes by the handle @e.guidry. These buildings, strategically located in densely populated areas across the country, served a crucial role in the era before digital telephony.
The Era of Physical Connections
Before the advent of digital telephony, the lines connecting phones physically linked callers to each other. To facilitate this intricate web of connections, massive switching hubs were required. Most of the windowless buildings, including 33 Thomas Street, were constructed in the 1970s or earlier, when manual operators were no longer necessary.
The Windowless Decision
Intriguingly, the absence of windows in these buildings was not a deliberate aesthetic choice but a practical one. The machinery inside these structures did not rely on natural light, rendering windows unnecessary. As a result, the decision-makers opted to forgo windows altogether, focusing on functionality rather than architectural aesthetics.
Unveiling the Secrets of 33 Thomas Street, New York
Among the windowless skyscrapers, 33 Thomas Street in New York City stands out as one of the most secure towers in the world. Let’s explore the hidden features and functions of this enigmatic building.
Impenetrable Security Measures
The formidable reputation of 33 Thomas Street stems from its unparalleled security measures. The building is equipped with ample gas, water, and electricity reserves, enabling it to function autonomously for up to two weeks. Its structural integrity is designed to withstand a nuclear blast, within reasonable limits. Such stringent security measures are not surprising, given the critical role this building plays in the network and internet infrastructure.
The Legacy of Physical Infrastructure
While the majority of telecommunication systems have transitioned to digital platforms, the equipment within 33 Thomas Street remains essential for network and internet infrastructure. Every video, every message, every email traversing the United States likely passes through one of these buildings, including 33 Thomas Street.
Conspiracy Theories: Fact or Fiction?
As with any mysterious structure, conspiracy theories inevitably emerge. Some theorists believe that 33 Thomas Street was utilized as a surveillance site by the National Security Agency (NSA). These claims gained traction with leaked documents from NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and investigations by non-profit organization The Intercept.
TITANPOINTE: The Surveillance Site?
According to The Intercept’s investigation, 33 Thomas Street, codenamed TITANPOINTE, housed a major gateway switch responsible for routing calls between the United States and other countries worldwide. This revelation added fuel to the speculation that the building served as a surveillance hub controlled by the NSA.
Tales of Vampires and Lizard Headquarters
Beyond the NSA surveillance allegations, some conspiracy theories take a more fantastical turn. From vampires using the building as their secret lair to it being the headquarters of lizard people, these theories are undoubtedly imaginative but lack substantial evidence.
