NEW YORK | One World Trade Center | 1,776' Pinnacle / 1,373' Roof | 108 FLOORS

[pioli12]

It's a shame he didn't get to see this tower finish.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

jw what is the name of the building that is covering the empire state building. I can see the antenna of the Empire State Building

thats Goldman Sachs World Headquarters.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4953690737_621a2bcbf5_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4953690737_621a2bcbf5_b.jpg

and i really cant believe what happened to Zen...nothing short of a tragedy. He was the greatest contributer to WTC threads and helped us all to truly grasp what was being built. Zen you will always be missed by us here on SSP. thanks for the good times. my thoughts and prayers are with those he left behind.

R.I.P Zen

[IntoTheLens827]

VERY SAD to hear Zen Died...:wah: R.I.P. ZensteelDude :(

I feel horrible right now. I remember seeing some of his post. I did join this fourm not to long ago, but I've been checking the pictures out & some post for a good year 1/2 now.

Horrible, Horrible, Horrible, that he won't see the "FINISHED NEW WORLD TRADE CENTER" in operation..... I am very sorry to hear. :(

May god bless him & his family. -IntoTheLens827.

[dchan]

RIP Zen. Hopefully, the weather will be good, and the construction won't be delayed wherever you are now

[Lecom]

Jesus Christ...

I don't think I can comment on this properly right now. Such news doen't really hit you until you let it sink in. It's too sudden. Regardless, rest in peace, big guy. And to think that just recently we got into a PM argument over at SSP, where I was telling him to not pay any attention to trolls, and chastising him for when he got too rough with his own comments...

[Obey]

R.I.P. Zen. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[Stu]

My condolences to Zen's family.

I'm mostly a lurker in this thread but check on it quite often. His contributions were impressive.

[C.Lan]

I'm not quite sure what to say, because I'm new to the forum and don't have the history that many others in this thread seem to have with this member. This sounds like it must be absolutely devastating news. If I can offer anything I'd like to give my condolences and also the hope that everyone will be okay.

[NYguy]

I think you people should know this, since Zen was active forumer here too..

Indeed, he will be missed on this board. So sorry to hear.

[NYguy]

http://www.glassmagazine.com/news-item/commercial/glass-problems-force-design-change-freedom-tower-podium-118093

Glass problems force design change at Freedom Tower podium

By Katy Devlin, Glass Magazine
May 4, 2011


Glass Magazine has confirmed with two reliable off-the-record sources that New York City's Freedom Tower podium is going through a major redesign due to glass fabrication problems. Sanxin Façade, China, was contracted to fabricate the podium's thick specialty lites. According to sources, the glass couldn't be fabricated as planned, requiring architects at Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP, New York, to "scrap" the initial design, in the words of one source, and develop a new podium design.

Zetian Systems, Las Vegas, was contracted by Solera Construction/DCM Erectors, New York City, to perform the design-assist services, fabrication and delivery of the podium systems. Zetian subcontracted the fabrication to Sanxin Facade.

The podium was designed to be a signature element of the tower, located at Ground Zero, featuring a 185-foot wall of more than 2,000 pieces of prismatic glass and welded aluminum screens, according to a November 2010 release from PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, which manufactured the 1-inch Starphire ultra-clear glass for the Freedom Tower podium. "We have already shipped the glass [but] aren't part of the fabrication or design activities," said Rob Struble, business communications manager, growth initiatives and performance glazing, PPG Industries, in an email.

Also known as One World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower is set to reach 102 stories, 1,776 feet, making it the tallest building in the United States, according to the PPG release.

Representatives from the Port Authority, SOM, Sanxin Façade, Solera/DCM and Zetian have not yet responded to requests for comment. GlassMagazine.com will post updates as soon as they are available.



Likely nothing we would notice.

[Firefightersfla]

R.I.P Zen. You will be missed!! I loved reading your posts!

[ESB/WTC fan]

Lit up in Red, White and blue.... Screenshot from WTC Progress webcam...

http://i51.tinypic.com/16axzr6.jpg

[NYYskyline]

thats Goldman Sachs World Headquarters.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4953690737_621a2bcbf5_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4953690737_621a2bcbf5_b.jpg

and i really cant believe what happened to Zen...nothing short of a tragedy. He was the greatest contributer to WTC threads and helped us all to truly grasp what was being built. Zen you will always be missed by us here on SSP. thanks for the good times. my thoughts and prayers are with those he left behind.

R.I.P Zen

thanks. I moved out of NY in 2005 and realized that was there, I read that it was built in 2010.

[RKOwens44]

:previous: Hahaha, that's awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :notacrook:

These past few days have made me fall in love with the WTC site all over again! First the greenery returning to the site, then the announcement of Osama which gave even more of a sense that the wounds of 9/11 were healing and the video of the jubilation at the site Sunday night, then CNN and Katy Courec doing almost all of their live shows from buildings overlooking the site and the announcement that the President would be visiting the site on Thursday, now this sheer awesomeness with 1WTC... been a great week.

[jthornton17]

Lit up in Red, White and blue.... Screenshot from WTC Progress webcam...

http://i51.tinypic.com/16axzr6.jpg

I love that red white and blue. anyone think all this new energy helps the rest of the site(wtc 2 and wtc 3) get enough leasing space sold to be a full go by the time things get completed to street level?

[RKOwens44]

Oh, man. After I wrote what I just wrote above, I started reading through the recent posts (haven't been here for a short while) and learned about what happened to Zen. That puts that whole cheerful and optomistic message that I wrote in a whole new context and makes me feel almost sad about feeling that way about the site with all these recent positive developments, because I know Zen would have loved to see it. He would have loved to have heard that they got bin Laden. He would have loved to see 1WTC lit up as it is. He would have loved to see the memorial looking so green. But now he won't be able to experience any of that, or see the memorial open, or the towers be completed. Really really sad.

[Domamania]

Oh, man. After I wrote what I just wrote above, I started reading through the recent posts (haven't been here for a short while) and learned about what happened to Zen. That puts that whole cheerful and optomistic message that I wrote in a whole new context and makes me feel almost sad about feeling that way about the site with all these recent positive developments, because I know Zen would have loved to see it. He would have loved to have heard that they got bin Laden. He would have loved to see 1WTC lit up as it is. He would have loved to see the memorial looking so green. But now he won't be able to experience any of that, or see the memorial open, or the towers be completed. Really really sad.

Yes he will, he will through all of us , he will threw our eyes and he right now is having the best seat in town from Heaven. Zen is probally saying right now, I am proud of all of you, and I am proud that the WTC will shine again. Zen I thank you for your involvemnt in getting me involed in these forums and throu all of us your legacy and your memories WILL LIVE FOREVER. THANK YOU ZEN.

[patriotizzy]

Oh no! I'm deeply saddened by this news. Zen, you were one of the best contributors to the NYC threads. My thoughts are with your family and I hope everything works out for them. :(

[pj3000]

May the four winds blow you safely home, Zensteeldude.

[whiteford]

i love the cladding on this, and the glass looks exactly like the stuff on eight ave place in calgary, except there will be 5 times more on this one. lol

[2-TOWERS]

Zen you will be missed........you kept me up to date on this forum....and acknowleged me through some PMs..... THANKYOU FOR EVERYTHING... God Bless to your family.......

[JayPro]

I also wish to register my condolences to the family and friends, both here and elsewhere for his passing.
I do recall many a fine contribution both visually and information-wise from him long before I began posting here; and this loss will not at all be easy to recover from.
May our ongoing vigil for the completion of the New World Trade Center be carried on in his honor and may his guardian angel carry is soul in the air above the Site till all is accomplished.

[JDRCRASH]

For me, there's something especially sad when a SSP member dies. :(

[applejacks]

I've never been big into posting on here, however I have been following these forums for years and felt the need to say something. Zen was one of the few that always had interesting and insightful posts relating to the WTC construction, and honestly, one of the reasons I always returned. His contributions will be dearly missed.

[TANGELD_SLC]

Wow.... R.I.P. Zen :( God bless and comfort the family and friends he left behind.

[Plokoon11]

It is probably very true that Zen is watching the construction as we speak, with a front row seat. The best seat possible.

[JACKinBeantown]

RIP Zensteeldude.

You were a great contributor to this forum and always had something constructive to add to the conversation. You never got into pointless arguments (OK... sometimes) and you seemed like a genuinely kind person. I'm very sorry to lose you on this forum and I wish the best for your friends and family. Peace, dude.

[Fishman92]

Hey, didn't know the guy, but Lurked around here for a while- his posts were the most informative and humorous that I could have found.

Hey, he's probably in a better place now. And who knows, maybe he's still looking down on the construction.

R.I.P, dude.

[SteveD]

Yes, I appreciated his posts too, although I never interacted with him one on one.

RIP. My condolences to his family and friends.

[TimCity2000]

wow... not even sure what to say. frequent lurker in this thread as well. enjoy looking at the pictures and enjoyed reading zen's posts. as i recall, he actually had a set of drawings, correct?

i hope his family is able to find peace, whenever that may be.

[bkraig4life]

Yesterday when I read the news, I cried like a baby, wierd I know, but when you have a great contributer like that, I guess that it hits home hard sometimes. Condolences go out to his family. Makes you think how little you actually are in this big world. Zen we'll miss you.

[599GTO]

Condolences to Zen's family and friends. He's no doubt resting in peace.

On a side note -- the WTC site looks gorgeous on television right now during the wreath-laying ceremony.

[pattali]

Since this morning , I am really sad...

We lost a friend-teacher-contributor-dady-dude ...

Zen never see the new WTC .

I miss you Zen , your post, explanations, steel expert, blue print and you , funny boy.

Condolences for your wife, family and childs.

Sincerely Patrick ATTALI.

[BostonBuild]

RIP Zen. My condolences to his family. I always looked forward to his informative posts, even though I don't contribute here often. I will miss him. So sad :(

[Thaniel]

Omg! Zen is dead?!?!?!? That's really disheartening to hear. He was one of the only people I had ever interacted with on this forum.... I think we can all agree he knew more about this building than anyone.

RIP dude, I wish you could have seen it finished.

[Don098]

The news about Zen is really surreal...

Zen was the most substantive contributor to the NY threads, and his knowledge of this entire project was unsurpassed on this forum. Zen, you'll be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[winlinmac001]

I haven't logged in a while. I've been frequently checking the progress of the new WTC as a guest user for the past few months on SkyscraperPage and SkyscraperCity, reluctant to login and post some feedback to the progress. Then when I came across the news of ZenSteelDude I did not feel good. I had a strong emotion after reading about him.

I would like to pay my respect and condolences to Zen. God Bless Zen and his family. We will never forget you, and you will always be a member of the SkyscraperPage family.

[Troubadour]

I didn't know Zen, but we probably interacted at some point. His posts were always very informative and interesting. I've donated a modest sum to the Center for Auto Safety (http://www.autosafety.org/) under the name "Zensteeldude" in his memory.

[uaarkson]

Good idea, I think I'll do the same.

[wong21fr]

Damn, hearing about Zen was a kick to the gut. The guy was a huge contributer to the forum with his knowledge of the WTC and the construction profession. Given the way he talked about his family you could tell he was a real family man. My condolences to them.

Godspeed, Zen. You'll be missed.

[fleonzo]

I think you people should know this, since Zen was active forumer here too..

My heart felt condolences go out to his family-Linda and the three kids. RIP ZEN...

[GioFX]

I join all of you with my deepest condolonces to Zen's familiy. It's really a tragic and shocking news. He was very active here and I learned so much about the whole WTC rebuilding thanks to him.

R.I.P. Zen.

:(

[uaarkson]

Zen kicked ass and will continue to do so in the after life. :)

[STR]

Without Zen, my 1WTC wouldn't be anywhere near as accurate as it now stands. I owed him a beer for the help. I used to have a few emails from him, I think he mentioned his real name in one. I wish I hadn't cleared out my inbox. I wish I could remember his name...

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6945/nw1k.jpg

[Traynor]

His name was Chris.

(Check your Sent folder too)

[STR]

Thank you. That was important.

Unfortunately, I already checked every folder. I at least have a lot of the WTC prints he photographed, the ones that were in his now-deleted Flickr account, and ones he didn't share with anyone besides me. I'm not sure what I'll do with those besides keeping them in my archives.

[aquablue]

Something doesn't look right to me about this design. Oh yes, now I see what it is. It is the shape. The shape looks too angular and harsh. Would have liked to see a real design that looked like something from the 21'st century that had a little innovation. It's like looking at the 1990's all over again. Why am I looking at so many triangles everywhere?
What is the theme of triangles?

[Troubadour]

It's like looking at the 1990's all over again. Why am I looking at so many triangles everywhere?

As opposed to what? Amorphous blobs that signify nothing and dodge meaning out of cowardice, but give pretentious art critics the vapors?

What is the theme of triangles?

Fundamental, rational, and strong. Like freedom.

[aquablue]

Oooh, you are right my friend. Tirangles resemble strong freedom.

Wait, why? I don't see it.

You know what I feel represents Freedom? Soft flowing curves representing the freedom of the ocean waves, clouds in the sky, or the rushing of free rivers.

[steveve]

This is really sad, never really knew Zen, but like everyone said, my deepest condolences go out to his loved ones,
-steveve

STR, that is a fantastic photo you posted. the model gets better and better every time i see it,
It will be surreal once these towers dominate Manhattan's skyline,

[sentinel]

I'm very saddened to hear about Zen - he was incredibly insightful and I (and I'm positive everyone else as well) will miss his interaction in these forums. My condolences to his family.

[steveve]

I just remembered Pres. Obama was at the site today. anyone know if this affected work at the site.
youtubing some vids of this right now!

[jthornton17]

Without Zen, my 1WTC wouldn't be anywhere near as accurate as it now stands. I owed him a beer for the help. I used to have a few emails from him, I think he mentioned his real name in one. I wish I hadn't cleared out my inbox. I wish I could remember his name...

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6945/nw1k.jpg

STR
Maybe you can design a special memorial patch for Zen. Something that everyone can use as an avatar or tribute for him. I know he would've loved all the excitement going on now since the death of Bin Laden. I really hope it will get people more excited about the new WTC site.

[MadGnome]

I've appreciated few people as much as I did Zen. One is STR. He might not know the name of the guy who mined the ore for each column and the model numbers of the welding machines like Zen did, but he's unsurpassed in bringing these structures to life.
It does me good to see guys like them that bring passion to what they do.

[MadGnome]

Something doesn't look right to me about this design. Oh yes, now I see what it is. It is the shape. The shape looks too angular and harsh. Would have liked to see a real design that looked like something from the 21'st century that had a little innovation. It's like looking at the 1990's all over again. Why am I looking at so many triangles everywhere?
What is the theme of triangles?
Great skyscraper designs are timeless and not meant to satisfy someone's idea of fashion of the day. If modern design is too "harsh" for you, perhaps you should stick to things that won't upset your delicate senses.

[uaarkson]

Sharp angles and verticality have been near-universal themes in all of skyscraper architecture until about the last ten years.

[jthornton17]

Great skyscraper designs are timeless and not meant to satisfy someone's idea of fashion of the day. If modern design is too "harsh" for you, perhaps you should stick to things that won't upset your delicate senses.

Yeah, they could've built 4 box towers. If they did that, I think they would need to rebuild the twin towers to look like they did before. just my opinion on that. I love how they gave each building it's own character. To me the things that's going to be amazing is the huge waterfalls reflection of the high quality glass of the 4 buildings. I think once the park/memorial is done, it's going to be amazing to look up at those buildings. It's going to be a real piece of beauty. I don't know if it will mention anything about Osama being killed in the memorial. But I will say this, it's going to make going there a lot better, for a lot of people imo.

[Troubadour]

You know what I feel represents Freedom? Soft flowing curves representing the freedom of the ocean waves, clouds in the sky, or the rushing of free rivers.

Well then, feel free to build that somewhere.

[Pbellamy]

A few shots taken by me tonight from Jersey City. The Red White and Blue looking beautiful tonight.

http://gallery.me.com/petebellamy/101683/P1080577/web.jpg?ver=13046565020001

http://gallery.me.com/petebellamy/101683/P1080581/web.jpg?ver=13046565220001

http://gallery.me.com/petebellamy/101683/P1080592/web.jpg?ver=13046565270001

[jthornton17]

http://gallery.me.com/petebellamy/101683/P1080592/web.jpg?ver=13046565270001[/QUOTE]

I can't say thank you enough. THis picture(all of them) is so beautiful. How awesome is the red white and blue?! I tell you what. If this building had kept the name freedom tower(and I think for a lot of Americans, it will be called that) could you imagine how amazing it would be if they could light it up on the outside with red, white, and blue lights like that..........every night. Maybe it's something they can try to do on 9/11 each year. I will tell you this, it's AMAZING like that! It brings back so many tears and so many emotions from 9/11 to this week with Osama being killed. THanks again!

[NYguy]

I just remembered Pres. Obama was at the site today. anyone know if this affected work at the site.
youtubing some vids of this right now!

I was there at the time President Obama came, and work did appear to have stopped, but I was there only at that time. I don't know what went on the rest of the day. I have a few pics of the Freedom Tower to post later. Of course, its still rising, and still looking great.

[kickser]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5690965670_d67142a1b5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/abroadjz/5690965670/)
Obama at World Trade (http://www.flickr.com/photos/abroadjz/5690965670/) von abroadjz (http://www.flickr.com/people/abroadjz/) auf Flickr

[2-TOWERS]

well this was sort of a nice memorial here these last few pages all for ZEN... I'm sure he sees how well respected and liked he was... it was him that patented the word " STEEL PORN "... NY GUY WAS NEXT IN LINE HERE and we will now get accuate info from him as we always did...

[animatedmartian]

Not to get too OT, but the memorial plaza is looking less like a construction site and more like a finished product. Hard to believe September is only 4 months away.

[sterlippo1]

Yesterday when I read the news, I cried like a baby, wierd I know, but when you have a great contributer like that, I guess that it hits home hard sometimes. Condolences go out to his family. Makes you think how little you actually are in this big world. Zen we'll miss you.

not weird at all......only real men cry. I have been away and just today read about Zen. Thank you for all you did on these threads , R.I.P Zensteeldude and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family

[mike900]

Hello,i'm new on the forum...I heard about Zen and it's very sad to hear it is dead...RIP Zen...When i was visiting the forum,i saw zeen messages and they were so ineresting to read.Just for to know,how old was him?? How did he die and ...Was he working at the World Trade Center construction?? Thanks and have a nice day everyone...R.I.P Zen.

[Fishman92]

Also, the freedom tower is now taller that the tallest building in London- One Canada Square.

[davidinasia]

Very sorry to hear the news about Zensteeldude. It is sad that he did not live to see the completion of the new WTC, but even sadder that if he had just lived a few more days, he could have heard the news of OBL's demise, and he would have experienced the same emotions of relief, satisfaction and justice that the rest of us have. On the other hand, he did, thankfully, live long enough to see the real site start to resemble the many beautiful renderings. Anyway, I hope this reminds all of us to be careful on the roads; one moment of inattention is all it takes.

Zen was a huge resource for this forum with his engineering and technical knowledge, and on a personal level, a real mensch as well. In my case, I never understood how the pieces of the WTC transportation hub fit together until he posted some edited plans and then I finally "got it".

I would like to suggest that the mods post this news on the forum homepage so all members can be aware of it. Also, it would be great if somehow the mods could communicate with his family in order to organize a fund to send flowers to his funeral, on behalf of the site members, if that is still possible; I'm sure many here would be willing to contribute.

RIP Zen, you will be missed. :(

[banned]

Rest in peace.

[Angel In The City]

Hello,i'm new on the forum...I heard about Zen and it's very sad to hear it is dead...RIP Zen...When i was visiting the forum,i saw zeen messages and they were so ineresting to read.Just for to know,how old was him?? How did he die and ...Was he working at the World Trade Center construction?? Thanks and have a nice day everyone...R.I.P Zen.

He had a car accident one day before his 49th birthday..He worked for company which was involved in steel fabrication for 1WTC if I remember correctly...He had whole set of plans and blueprints of Tower 1, memorial and transportation hub..

Zen was one fearless bastard..Those blueprints are supposed to be destroyed but he took them..I won't talk about it anymore for security reasons..I just hope he or his wife or friends took care of if..

[NYguy]

Pics from yesterday (May 5, 2011)


1.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354145.jpg


2.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354146.jpg


3.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354147.jpg


4.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354148.jpg


5.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354149.jpg


6.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354150.jpg


7.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354151.jpg


8.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354152.jpg


9.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354153.jpg


10.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354154.jpg


11.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354155.jpg


12.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354156.jpg


13.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354157.jpg


14.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354158.jpg


15.
http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/18573/1354159.jpg

[Traynor]

Also, it would be great if somehow the mods could communicate with his family in order to organize a fund to send flowers to his funeral, on behalf of the site members, if that is still possible; I'm sure many here would be willing to contribute.

RIP Zen, you will be missed. :(

I have been in communication with Linda, Chris's best friend. She says his wife Nicol and children are doing the best as can be expected in this tragic time.

I have expressed our interest in donating to an appropriate charity in Chris's name and hopefully should be hearing back from her soon.

I will keep everyone posted.

[Domamania]

I have been in communication with Linda, Chris's best friend. She says his wife Nicol and children are doing the best as can be expected in this tragic time.

I have expressed our interest in donating to an appropriate charity in Chris's name and hopefully should be hearing back from her soon.

I will keep everyone posted.

If there is going to be a chrarity in Chris aka Zensteeldude's name, I would like to be apart of the donations as well.

[JACKinBeantown]

It might also be nice to share with his family, either simply by pointing out the last few pages of this thread or by printing it up in some form, all the nice things we've all said about him in the past few days.

[JACKinBeantown]

Nice pics, by the way, NYguy.

[Traynor]

It might also be nice to share with his family, either simply by pointing out the last few pages of this thread or by printing it up in some form, all the nice things we've all said about him in the past few days.

Linda has expressed her gratitude at all the outpouring of kindness here and over at SkyscraperCity. I am not aware if they have read all the posts, but understand that many condolences have been conveyed to the family.

Linda did tell me that these well-wishes have served of great comfort to herself and Nicol at this terrible time of loss.

When I have more information I will share with all concerned.

Mitchell

[fogandrail]

Longtime lurker, posting now to say RIP Zensteeldude. I really appreciated learning what I did about the WTC site through his posts, and I appreciated his enthusiasm for sharing detailed information with strangers on the internet. My condolences to his family.

[Traynor]

I have received a message from Linda regarding donations in Zensteeldude 's (Chris) name:

Mitchell

Thank you for all your help.

Nicol is in _______ (please do not mention the state) scattering Chris's ashes on the farm where he was born.

I have read the last few pages of the forum and am brought to tears again.

For those who can afford it, I'm sure that Chris would want Liberty Bonds to be bought in order to support the Silverstein Towers. I know that Chris and Nicol have bought many.

We would be honored if those compelled to make a donation in his name would donate to the American Red Cross, The 9/11 Memorial Foundation or to their local PBS station.

Ask them to donate in Zensteeldude's honor. I do not wish to give out his full name.

Thank you once again,

Linda

[yankeesfan1000]

Damn, I've been away for a few days and this is tragic beyond words. My most sincere thoughts go out to his family, I can't imagine what they're going through.

I'm very new to this forum, but I'd be more than happy to make a donation in Zens name. Do the forumers want to sort of combine our efforts, and make donations to one foundation in particular, or make donations to whatever foundation we find appropriate?

It almost seems inappropriate to comment on the progress at WTC 1, but I got a new job down in the Financial District and I walk by this site all the time and it's really pretty astounding. I never had any direct interaction with Zen, but his insight will certainly be missed and my most heartfelt thoughts go out to his family.

[The Grand Architect]

Wow, can't believe Zen is gone,

Just a few weeks ago I was in a middle of a heated debate about my artwork and measurements I posted on this forum earlier with Zen. The debate continued for days.

Sadley, we never finished that argument.

[Kevin Scott Koepke]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5696011315_b7dd623cd1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinskoepke/5696011315/)
lower manhattan. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinskoepke/5696011315/) by ksk photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/kevinskoepke/), on Flickr

[Kevin Scott Koepke]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/5696614412_22c7cb0d67_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinskoepke/5696614412/)
lower manhattan. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinskoepke/5696614412/) by ksk photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/kevinskoepke/), on Flickr

[Fishman92]

Not bad picture. Looks like the core steel is going up there.

[ESB/WTC fan]

This building will surpass New Jersey Goldman Sachs (30 Hudson Street) during the next jump. I read on SSC that the next jump will bring this building to 800 feet... GE Building is 850 feet tall, a few more jumps and 1 WTC will be higher than Top of the Rock, which would be the first major Midtown building this tower will surpass. I remember when this building was less than 100 feet from surpassing 7 WTC... the excitement!

[Yankee]

I love the design of the 9/11 memorial, really classy and subtle, looks terrific. I might have to fly in to visit my family in time for the opening.

[jd3189]

I can't believe that this happened. This guy,even though I pissed him off sometimes,was one of the best people on this forum,along with STR. Before,I was blind when it came to the construction of 1 WTC. I used to think it was an insult to everything this country stood for after 9/11. Even though I still have my doubts on this project,at least I have a lot more knowledge and tolerance for the new WTC. May Zen rest in peace,and that scum by the name Osama bin Laden in pieces.

[zeno3333333]

Does anyone know how many feet into the air the tower is at now????

[The Grand Architect]

Does anyone know how many feet into the air the tower is at now????

Don't know exactly how tall it is now, but I heard the next jump will bring this tower up to 800 feet.

I'd estimate it around 770 feet; give or take a few feet.

[Kanto]

Man, I can't wait until this will be completed. When will they be finished with the last floor?

[Fishman92]

I heard it's exactly 772 feet high, taller than one canada square in london. The Shard is still taller, as I have just found out, though.

[fvcrew22]

RIP Zen, I don't post much but I'm always following this thread and he was a great contributor to this community. My condolences to his family.

[Dac150]

RIP Zen; I was very sorry to hear about this. He was certainly an asset to this forum as well as a productive and insightful contributor.

I’m glad to see so much progress at the site.

[Kamatzu]

I don't normally post here, but I make a point to read it at least once a week. This week, I feel I should post.

I am very, very, sad that Zen has left us. I was moved to tears reading some of the responses, and I'm not one to cry. He was someone whose input I greatly enjoyed reading, and his knowledge was a huge asset to the discussions here. I almost feel selfish for remembering him solely by his contributions to an internet forum, but that is the only medium through which I knew him. Perhaps my surprising emotional response toward this person, who I only knew on such a tiny level, is testament to his grand persona. That said, he really was more than just a name and blueprints to me. He was always an uplifting, knowledgable, funny, and generally pleasant person to have around. Never too condescending or cynical, always optimistic and positive. I'm sure I would have been honored to know him personally.

For me, I will forever be unable to think of the WTC without remembering him on some level. In my world, he was (and still is) a part of it. He would have absolutely loved seeing the construction continue to progress, and we would have loved to continue hearing his input.

Sleep well, Zen. I'll miss you...

[JACKinBeantown]

I heard it's exactly 772 feet high, taller than one canada square in london. The Shard is still taller, as I have just found out, though.

That will make it taller than Boston tallest, John Hancock at 790 feet.
Miami's tallest is right around 790 too.
Soon it will surpass Pittsburgh's USX at 841(?).
And even though it's under construction, OK City's soon-to-be-tallest will be surpassed in the 850 range.

[NYonward]

Sorry to hear about ZenSteelDude's passing. I don't get on the site a lot anymore but did appreciate his knowledgeable posts and the color he added to the thread. His ashes may be back wherever he is from but I'm sure he's watching over 1WTC. Rest in peace.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/5696614412_22c7cb0d67_z.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/5696614412_22c7cb0d67_z.jpg

this may sound silly but this shot is so China. its not often anymore that the western side of the globe can watch a steel beast rise into the sky.

http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/03A0F411.002F
http://bbs.home.news.cn/upfiles/03A0F411.002F

[Kanto]

Sadly true. The times of the US skyscraper domination are gone.

[MadGnome]

Sadly true. The times of the US skyscraper domination are gone.

Unfortunately, the time of the troll is still here.

[aquablue]

China is riding on a major property bubble. Many investors I know are shorting Chinese real estate.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

China is riding on a major property bubble. Many investors I know are shorting Chinese real estate.

true and i have looked down at China for such things but its nice to see that were getting something huge too'like the stuff they've been getting over the past 10 years or so.