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[NYC4Life]

Fiterman demo in sight as city ends money fight


http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_287/fite.gif
Rendering of the new Fiterman Hall,
which officials hope will be completed
in 2012, now that the city has agreed
to contribute $72 million for the project.


DOWNTOWN EXPRESS
By Julie Shapiro
Volume 21, Number 26
November 13, 2008

The city agreed this week to pay its share to rebuild Fiterman Hall, a City University of New York building damaged on 9/11, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver told Downtown Express Wednesday.

After a six-month battle with the state and CUNY, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is expected to announce Thursday morning that the city will pay an additional $72 million for Fiterman Hall, providing the exact match of state funds the project needs to move forward.

"I'm pretty persuasive," joked Silver, who pushed Bloomberg to put up the money.

The black-shrouded Fiterman Hall, a Borough of Manhattan Community College building, has become a symbol of bureaucracy as it casts a shadow on the World Trade Center site more than seven years after 9/11.

"It's been a blight on our community since Sept.11," Silver said. "We need to have the building rebuilt to show the world that we are recovering from Sept.11."

Workers are currently decontaminating the building and expect to finish in February. The building would then be demolished, perhaps as soon as August 2009. Now that all of the funding is in place, construction on the new building will begin immediately following demolition and will be complete in 2012, Silver said.

"We're unbelievably overjoyed by this," said Barry Rosen, director of communications for B.M.C.C., though he confessed he was baffled by the timing."

During this economic atmosphere, how could they do it?" he said. "Where's the mayor coming up with $70 million? All those other years when everything was so great, no one wanted to give us the money, but now, in the middle of a sinking ship…" Rosen trailed off, then resolved not to look too hard into the "why."

"I'm happy," he said. "It's almost a miracle."

The new 14-story Fiterman Hall will house 54 classrooms, along with computer labs, lounges and faculty offices for the rapidly growing B.M.C.C., Rosen said. The extra space will make a big difference for B.M.C.C., as the school has seen enrollment soar since 9/11. B.M.C.C. has had to resort to holding classes in trailers and cramming professors into shared offices at its main building on Chambers St.

"Especially in this time of economic crisis, people are going back to school to acquire skills, and community colleges are the places people are going," Silver said. "We need the space."

The total cost to clean and demolish the old Fiterman Hall and build the new building is $325 million. Until now, the city had only agreed to pay $20 million, while the state had put in more than $90 million. The project also received $60 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (money the city tried to claim as part of its own contribution), $62.7 million in insurance funds, $15 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and $5 million from the 9/11 Fund.

Tired of waiting for the city to come around with the money, CUNY Vice Chancellor Iris Weinshall threatened several months ago to leave Fiterman Hall standing after decontaminating it, even though CUNY had enough money to proceed with the demolition. The idea was to use the building as a large reminder that the city owed CUNY money. That was unpopular with the community, and since the building is not yet ready to be demolished, Weinshall was never in a position to make good on the threat.

Over the past year, the project's completion date has moved further away. Last February, before the dispute over money arose, a contractor on the project said the new building could be complete in 2010. Last June, Weinshall said the goal was to get the building open in 2011, and unless the city provided funding immediately, that would not happen. Now the project's completion has slipped another year to 2012.


© 2008 Community Media, LLC

[NYguy]

Workers are currently decontaminating the building and expect to finish in February. The building would then be demolished, perhaps as soon as August 2009. Now that all of the funding is in place, construction on the new building will begin immediately following demolition and will be complete in 2012, Silver said.

The end of another sad chapter, and good riddance.

[NYguy]

From manda k (http://flickr.com/photos/mandakane/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/3027687281_37d2e2e8d2_b.jpg

[NYguy]

Another pic from Gelliott615 (http://flickr.com/photos/31209813@N05/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3025441396_be9728e3fb_b.jpg

[NYguy]

Imagining this shot from Vitalily P. (http://flickr.com/photos/cityraven/) with the Freedom Tower soaring skyward...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3027230621_7cffa033fe_b.jpg

[CHAPINM1]

That last shot is fantastic NYGUY! Not only is it exciting to know that the WTC will once again make its presence in the skyline soon, but also since 9/11 such buildings as Goldman Sachs and the new 7WTC have made dramatic impacts in addition! In other words, we'll have the WTC back and then some... :tup:

[NYguy]

Not only is it exciting to know that the WTC will once again make its presence in the skyline soon, but also since 9/11 such buildings as Goldman Sachs and the new 7WTC have made dramatic impacts in addition! In other words, we'll have the WTC back and then some... :tup:

And that's not even taking into account buildings like Silverstein's Park Place and Ratner's Beekman tower - both would be the tallest new towers Downtown if not for the WTC.

[NYguy]

Donald Trump gives his usual rave reviews for the Freedom Tower:
http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/88845/-em-ny1-exclusive---em--trump-cheers-bloomberg--jeers-freedom-tower/Default.aspx

"It's something that right now they should think about not building because there's no market," he said. "You're going to have this huge white elephant. The building that's being proposed right now, I think it's bottom heavy. I don't think it's great architecture; I don't like the look of it."

"Can you build a building with millions of square feet when office space is going begging in New York? I mean, I think this could be a catastrophe for New York," continued Trump.

[theWatusi]

good progress going on up there

[scalziand]

Glad to see that Fitterman hall is FINALLY getting resolved.

[NYguy]

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

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http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926239/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926242/large.jpg

Work continues on the memorial...

http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926243/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926248/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926250/large.jpg

[NYC4Life]

Just about every element on the site has had some sort of progress. Can't wait to see more of it.

[Lt. Washburn]

Hey! All that scaffolding around the Freedom Tower core is to hold up formwork for another floor, right?

[Islander]

The building that's being proposed right now, I think it's bottom heavy.

The FT bottom heavy? What does that make your beloved "Trump Building" at 40 Wall?

[theWatusi]

Hey! All that scaffolding around the Freedom Tower core is to hold up formwork for another floor, right?

Yep, looks like they are starting on the basement floors.

[37TimPPG]

Donald Trump gives his usual rave reviews for the Freedom Tower:
http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/88845/-em-ny1-exclusive---em--trump-cheers-bloomberg--jeers-freedom-tower/Default.aspx

"It's something that right now they should think about not building because there's no market," he said. "You're going to have this huge white elephant. The building that's being proposed right now, I think it's bottom heavy. I don't think it's great architecture; I don't like the look of it."

"Can you build a building with millions of square feet when office space is going begging in New York? I mean, I think this could be a catastrophe for New York," continued Trump.


Normally I wouldn't even give anything Trump said the time of day but I feel I must respond. Just because Mr. Trump thinks this isn't a good time to build doesn't mean they should stop! When the economy picks up...and it always recovers, the demand for top quality office space will position the FT very nicely for a high occupancy rate.:tup:

Mr. Clump, er Trump forgets that when the oroginal WTC was built the economy was terrible. Why do I get the feeling that if this was a Trump project he would be going full speed ahead??:hell:

I had to chuckle about the comment not liking the architecture and not being a great building...what would he call his many "cookie cutter" buildings? High architecture???:jester:

I just wish Mr. Trump would shut up and go away:shrug:

Full speed ahead Freedom Tower! And now, dancing bananas::banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[genop]

I bet Trump wouldn't have anything to say if they went along with his hopes of rebuilding like the originals http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/18/wtc.trump/index.html Like you said he just needs to shut up, go away, and just worry about that creature on his head.

[Indescribable]

Is there a rough completion date for the whole complex or are the other buildings on hold for now?

[Ghost]

Is there a rough completion date for the whole complex or are the other buildings on hold for now?
None of the towers are on hold. The complex should be completed by 2013 or 2014 without setbacks...

[talltowers08]

Have you noticed on the first photo they have left some steel from the Original wtc carpark in place. Anyone got any ideas ?

[SJPhillyBoy]

So great to see all of the progress. It will be a proud moment when FT soars into the sky.

[NYguy]

Hey! All that scaffolding around the Freedom Tower core is to hold up formwork for another floor, right?

A closer look...

http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926226/original.jpg

[Ghost]

Have you noticed on the first photo they have left some steel from the Original wtc carpark in place. Anyone got any ideas ?
Yeah, doesn't (or didn't?) PATH train run under there, so they didn't demolish that.

Great photo btw, NYguy.

[talltowers08]

The path trains still run under that part but i dont see why they keep the steel thats sticking out of the concreat there it servers no purpose .

[Lt. Washburn]

Will they pour concrete around those columns before, during, or after they pour the next floor?

[charmedone]

nothing amazing but i snaped a shot while i was down in the city today

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e232/CharmedOne9805/Picture349.jpg

[NYguy]

The path trains still run under that part but i dont see why they keep the steel thats sticking out of the concreat there it servers no purpose .

Speaking of PATH, I just read that starting next summer there will be NO weekend service to the WTC terminal for three years.

Laredo Montoneri (http://flickr.com/photos/31273034@N08/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3033657433_ebc4be71ef_o.jpg

[vanhenrik]

some old historey


Building the World Trade Center and Twin Towers - 1 of 2
__gUjUv1vvw

Building the World Trade Center and Twin Towers - 2 of 2
KCbu3CvD3h8

World Trade Center Public Opening Hours Film
0J-INKbBVwA

[talltowers08]

Speaking of PATH, I just read that starting next summer there will be NO weekend service to the WTC terminal for three years.

Laredo Montoneri (http://flickr.com/photos/31273034@N08/)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3033657433_ebc4be71ef_o.jpg

Is this due to more advanced construction down there ? And how big an impact is this going to make on comuters.

[Wheelingman04]

I miss those towers so much.

[trist_p]

look at how undeveloped new york looks with cargo docks directly adjacent to the twin towers (from the video)

[CHAPINM1]

I think all this video footage belongs in another thread. This is the TOWER 1 thread!!! Obviously there are people out there that miss the Twin Towers and so forth, but we'll get adjusted to what is to come as well! STAY ON TOPIC!!! I swear I've seen people pull this shit on this thread at least 1,000 times already and I'm more than sick and tired of it; I'd be willing to bet I'm not the only one who is either...

[theWatusi]

I second the "I'm sick of the nostalgic shit in this thread" motion.

[NYguy]

Is this due to more advanced construction down there ? And how big an impact is this going to make on comuters.

Well, PATH service in general sucks over the weekend - unless you're taking the direct WTC line. That won't be an option over the weekend for 3 years. Now, it won't be as big a disruption as it would be for weekday service. But I remember when PATH service to the WTC was lost for a year after 9/11. It caused major crowding on the other (33rd St) line and NJ Transit. We'll see what happens.

But its all part of the sacrifice to be made as the memorial and Freedom Tower get built. It will all be worth it in the end.

[America 117]

NY1 Exclusive: Trump Cheers Bloomberg, Jeers Freedom Tower

By: Dominic Carter

In an exclusive interview with NY1 this week, Donald Trump had a lot to say about the future of New York City. NY1's Dominic Carter filed the following report.

Real estate mogul Donald Trump may have hundreds of properties bearing his name, but that did not keep him from criticizing the designs of the new World Trade Center site.

"It's something that right now they should think about not building because there's no market," he said. "You're going to have this huge white elephant. The building that's being proposed right now, I think it's bottom heavy. I don't think it's great architecture; I don't like the look of it."

"Can you build a building with millions of square feet when office space is going begging in New York? I mean, I think this could be a catastrophe for New York," continued Trump.

When it comes to politics, Mayor Michael Bloomberg can count Trump among his fans.

"I'm not a believer in term limits," Trump said. "I think a term limit is when you go into a voter booth and if you don't like somebody, you press a button."

When it came to voting in the past presidential election, Trump threw his support behind Republican John McCain. But he's also leaping to the defense of New York Senator Hillary Clinton.

"I thought she was roughed up," he said. "She took some pretty hard hits. That's my opinion. She took hits from the media, but really from the Obama campaign. I think Obama, brilliantly perhaps, roughed her up."

Trump says he thinks his candidate could have fared better if he picked a different vice president.

"I would have thought that he would have done better with [Mitt] Romney because the economy was tanking and Romney is a guy that made money and he knows how to make money," said Trump. "He knew something about finance, to put it mildly, and I would have thought that would have been the best. But, hey look, you can blame a lot of different reasons. One thing she did do is she got a lot of interest in the party."

Trump is also warning the competition to keep an eye out for Governor David Paterson in 2010.

"I've gotten to know David Paterson since he became governor," Trump said. "I cannot tell you enough good things about him. He's sharp; he's smart, he's street-wise like crazy. He's a great guy and I think he's going to be a hell of a force to beat."

From:http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/politics/88845/-em-ny1-exclusive---em--trump-cheers-bloomberg--jeers-freedom-tower/Default.aspx
_______________________

At this point I really think trump should shut his fat face.:hell:

and I forgot to mention its a little about the election too.

[Dac150]

The more I read comments from Trump like this, the more I question why I admire him. I guess he's not the same as he was in the 80's/90's, now he just comes off as critical and bitter. I know he's always been a 'critical' person, always ready to give his opinion, but of all people he should be supporting this the most. I admire Trump's values and accomplishments, but honestly, he's got to take a step back and realize what he's saying.

His comments are also off base. Considering the original WTC and the ESB were both built during rough economic times, yet still filled up eventually, there is no reason to believe that will not be the case with the new WTC. Just like the other two, it may take time to fully occupy the space, but it will eventually happen and happen at its own pace.

The point is that the lost space needs to be put back up, regardless of the economic situation. Whether the space is fully leased in five months or five years, it needs to exist and be ready for occupancy. Not to mention skyline redemption. The WTC is an essential, and that's why it's being constructed regardless of what is happening down the block on Wall Street.

[george]

WTC, Freedom Tower must be built. The skyline needs it. The terrorists will never win.

[Krases]

I think Trump is missing the point of rebuilding it. Then again Trump is a shrewd businessman, not a champion of American resolve.

[NYguy]

From morrongiello (http://flickr.com/photos/33965463@N00/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3030156022_4dd7e063e3_o.jpg

[NYguy]

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

Work continues on the memorial...

http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926243/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926248/large.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/105926250/large.jpg

There's an article in the Times about that particular view of the framing of the footprints...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/nyregion/17memorial.html

Where Two Towers Once Stood, a Memorial Begins to Materialize

By DAVID W. DUNLAP
November 16, 2008

Of all the right angles that have been built at ground zero in the last three years, of all the places where steel meets steel at 90 degrees, there is no more meaningful angle right now than the one poised high over the PATH tracks near Fulton Street.

It visibly defines one corner of the north pool of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and, therefore, one corner of the outline of 1 World Trade Center...

As is currently the practice at the trade center project, construction milestones pass quietly, with little public notice or fanfare. But they are no less important to those involved.

“To see the actual framing of the void is a major step in filling in the wound,” said Joseph C. Daniels, the president and chief executive of the memorial and museum, as he looked across ground zero on Oct. 31, toward the embryonic north pool and the pale-green steel framework that has begun to define the south pool, the site of 2 World Trade Center.

“This is the basic structure of the memorial,” Mr. Daniels said. “So it’s a big deal.”

The pools will eventually be at the bottom of two 28-foot-deep depressions in a landscaped and tree-filled plaza, marking the location of the twin towers, though not their exact outlines. (The pools will be 194 by 194 feet, or 13 feet shorter on each side than the trade center buildings.) The insides of these voids will be lined with waterfalls cascading into the pools at the bottom....

It is not easy at first to make out the shape of the north pool’s corner against a backdrop of heavy construction, but once spotted, it is impossible to overlook. The best public viewing place is the Liberty Street pedestrian bridge, where large windows offer a commanding view of the site.

The corner of the north pool is composed chiefly of two great beams arranged perpendicularly atop a more slender steel framework. One is 52 feet long and 44 inches deep and weighs 13,104 pounds. The other is 72 feet long and 40 inches deep and weighs 42,696 pounds.

The framework below this enormous angle is set back a bit, aligning with the PATH tracks that run alongside. The uppermost corner of the north pool projects about 20 feet over the tracks.

A far larger area of the south pool, about 50 percent, will be constructed over the PATH tracks. That steel underpinning differs from the north pool and is not as instantly recognizable as part of a giant square. But steel erection goes quickly.

[MercurySky]

Where will FT construction as of 9/2009?

[MolsonExport]

WTC, Freedom Tower must be built. The skyline needs it. The terrorists will never win.

The ghost of TalB.

[NYC4Life]

Crain's New York

November 15, 2008 5:27 pm

Silverstein Properties Inc.: Developer creates tower of strength

WTC rebuilding allows the team to play a role in history

http://cnimg.sv.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=CN&Date=20081116&Category=FREE&ArtNo=311169985&Ref=AR&Profile=1010&maxw=319&border=0
Family Feel Larry Silverstein is happy that so many staffers ave grown along with the company. Buck Ennis


Working for Larry Silverstein means enjoying daily access—and unlimited bragging rights—to a stunning 360-degree view of Manhattan and its surroundings.

Lofty visions of the future are equally important inside the firm's headquarters at 7 World Trade Center, where the developer labors to carry out his conception of a rebuilt WTC site.

“Working on the site means being a part of history,” says Gianna Frederique, a marketing and communications assistant.

By winning the 99-year lease on the Twin Towers in 2001—just before they were attacked—and fighting since Sept. 11 to rebuild every inch of space he is legally entitled to, Mr. Silverstein has become a major and sometimes controversial force in Manhattan real estate. He owns, manages or has under development some 18 million square feet of real estate.

Next generation
The 77-year-old tycoon and his children Lisa and Roger work together at the firm, which Mr. Silverstein runs like a family business.

He earns good will by offering simple perks, including half days on summer Fridays and hefty financial rewards. Silverstein Properties awards bonuses that are above the industry average and pays nearly all the premiums for health and life insurance for every employee. When staffers face serious illnesses, Mr. Silverstein, a trustee of New York University Medical Center, helps them get top-notch care.

In for the long term
“He's a mensch,” says Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of retail sales and leasing for Prudential Doug-las Elliman.

Mr. Silverstein's excitement spikes as he points out employees who have been with him for decades, such as Debra Hudnell. Now vice president of human resources, Ms. Hudnell joined the company 27 years ago as an entry-level clerk.

“So many of our people started modestly and grew with the company,” Mr. Silverstein says. “At this point, I look at these people as extended family.”

Often seen as obdurate because of his insistence on rebuilding downtown despite the faltering real estate market, the magnate remains relentlessly enthusiastic about his company's prospects, the future of lower Manhattan, and the viability of three more towers at Ground Zero.

“His passion and drive rub off on everyone,” says Roger Silverstein, a senior vice president. “And the views aren't bad, either.”


© 2008 Crain Communications, Inc.

[NYguy]

Need to get a look at the new fence...
http://panynj.com/AboutthePortAuthority/PressCenter/PressReleases/PressRelease/index.php?id=1153

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - PORT AUTHORITY TO BEGIN INSTALLATION OF NEW FENCE WRAP TO ENHANCE APPEARANCE OF WTC SITE

November 14, 2008
Work Will Be Done on Sunday, November 16


The Port Authority will begin to cover the fencing around the World Trade Center site on Sunday, November 16, with a new, clean and informative wrapping depicting the current progress on the site, what the site will look like when it's rebuilt and improved way-finding signs so pedestrians can get to their destinations faster and more easily.

Media wishing to cover the installation should assemble at the corner of Vesey and Church streets at 10 a.m. to view the work in progress.

The 8-foot-high, blue vinyl mesh wrapping is part of the Port Authority's new effort to increase public outreach, transparency and accountability, and improve the quality of life in Lower Manhattan during the rebuilding effort.

[NYguy]

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/why-quintuplets-instead-of-twins/

Why Quintuplets Instead of Twins?

By David W. Dunlap
November 17, 2008

Christopher O. Ward, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, opened the floor to questions from around the country about the World Trade Center and found that there is still a passionate community of twin-tower advocates. About half of the 100 e-mail queries he received in the last week asked why the authority was not simply rebuilding two soaring monoliths.

He only answered once:

If we were to start from scratch and develop a plan that called for rebuilding the twin towers, billions of dollars that already have been spent on design and engineering work, as well as hundreds of construction trade contracts, for all of the projects would be wasted. At a time when we are trying to move forward with construction and get this site rebuilt, all with funding that’s currently available, it wouldn’t be prudent to start the process all over again.

Among other questions Mr. Ward fielded were: Are you really going to close the PATH station on some weekends during construction? (Yes.) Are you really going to close Vesey Street? (Again, yes.) And, of course, those hardy perennials — why is it taking so long and when will it be finished?

To the last, Mr. Ward would vouch only for those projects that the authority is constructing: the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, 1 World Trade Center and the vehicle security center. “Between 2011 and 2014,” he answered.

Given the bleak prospect for commercial development, it is telling that Mr. Ward said nothing about the fates of Tower 2, Tower 3 and Tower 4 (to be developed by Silverstein Properties) or Tower 5 (under the authority’s control).

And given what seems to be strong public antipathy to the name “Freedom Tower,” it is also telling that he only used that name once in referring to Tower 1.

[America 117]

Another reson on not to build twin towers would be that I dont think anyone would want to work in them, I know I wouldn't, it would be like them coming back from the dead it would be just creepy. As much as I would like to see then in the skyline, I think they shouldn't rebuild them.
and what do they mean by the fates of the other towers??? why wouldn't they be built???:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :koko:

[NYguy]

^ Just more nonsense from that David Dunlap. The Port Authority really doesn't issue statements about the progress of the other towers because that's Silverstein's business. People complain about Steve Cuozzo's writing, but he doesn't mask his opinions...

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11182008/business/trump_misses_building_a_case_139302.htm

TRUMP MISSES BUILDING A CASE

http://www.nypost.com/img/cols/stevecuozzo.jpg

November 18, 2008

DESPITE doom-and-gloom talk about a "glut" of new office space, CB Richard Ellis super broker Stephen B. Siegel says emphatically, "Nothing new of any great size is going to be delivered to this marketplace."

Yet when SJP Properties' 11 Times Square topped off the other day, it didn't stop myopic market-watchers from whining about developer Steven J. Pozycki's timing.

Omigod, a brand-new, 1.1 million square-foot office tower opening soon without tenants in a collapsing market!

And that's on top of the new 510 Madison Ave. and the former New York Times building on West 43rd Street! Plus, all that new space coming at Ground Zero!

Glut city, here we come!

The black-hole-of-Calcutta scenario has been all over the media, but should seem hollow to anyone with perspective.

For starters, Pozycki's spectacular new tower won't even be open for at least another year.

Moreover, it's ridiculous to lump in the 11 million square feet to eventually open at the World Trade Center site with the 2 million-odd, newly minted square feet coming on line in Midtown over the next year or two.

Yet, last week, on Dominic Carter's NY1 show, Donald Trump called the Freedom Tower a "huge white elephant" that "could be a catastrophe for New York."

Trump mused, "Can you build a building with millions of square feet when office space is going begging in New York? . . . "They should think about not building [it] because there's no market."

Now, because of Trump's great popularity beyond the world of commercial real estate, what he says on TV reaches many more people than anything Jerry Speyer of Tishman Speyer or Stephen Ross of Related Cos., might say at a trade breakfast.

So, I asked him, what's the big idea?

How can he claim space is "going begging" when the Manhattan vacancy rate, according to CB Richard Ellis, is a scant 6.6 percent, and availability (which includes space up for sublease) is 10 percent?

Yesterday, Crain's New York Business reported that NBC is adding 60,000 square feet at 30 Rock. Macquarie recently added 160,000 square feet at 125 W. 55th St. and Viacom renewed on 1.3 million square feet at 1515 Broadway. Trump himself signed the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China at Trump Tower.

And what's the Freedom Tower got to do with today's market, when it's not due to open until the end of 2013 - and might not be finished for 10 years?

"That's the good news," Trump laughed yesterday.

Trump has a way with exaggeration. It's one of the things we love about him along with the many fine projects he's given the city. Given the chance to back off his remarks, he upped the ante: "The world and country are in a depression" - which he later modified to, a "virtual depression."

In New York, "I think the office market's not good and it's getting worse," he said.

Trump said the "subsidized" Freedom Tower "will drain tenants out of a lot of tax-paying buildings in Lower Manhattan" - just as he said the Twin Towers did in the early 1970s. (The Port Authority declined to comment.)

The Twins indeed took 25 years to fully fill. But they helped save downtown in the long run by providing modern space in a district of terminally obsolete old buildings.

And if Trump thinks the Freedom Tower as planned is such a lemon, why doesn't he do it himself? After all, the PA has quietly talked to both Related Cos. and Brookfield Properties about a possible sale or partnership.

Trump said, "I don't think so" when we asked if he'd be interested: "I don't think it can work because of the combination of the building and the times."

In any event, new office towers at Ground Zero aren't about meeting current demand. They're about replacing the great commercial hub that was destroyed on 9/11 with a better one - a necessary bet on the city's future.

Trump should know, having made such a bet himself when he bought 40 Wall St. for a token $1 million in 1995.

Meanwhile, the under 3 million square feet coming on line in Midtown are peanuts compared with a Manhattan office stock of 380 million square feet.

And CBRE's Siegel noted, "I don't see any enormous dumping of sub lease space, either. There are pockets. But except for 1271 Sixth [Ave.], where a million feet of Lehman's space could go, there isn't that much."

He said rents will fall over the short run, but, "They'll go back up."

Siegel also noted, "Over 70 percent of the supply is more than 50-years-old" - a dangerous obsolescence in a world where companies demand up-to-date electronic and environmental amenities.

Just what those white elephants at Ground Zero can provide.

[Antares41]

The last point regarding the coming "obsolescence" of a large precentage of the existing commercial office space is a very salient point, that I think often gets overlooked when one listens to discussion about "new" office space. The expansion may not really be what the numbers say given the amount of "obsolete" office space that is/will be converted to other uses ( i.e. residential, hotel, etc.). In other words how much of that 380 million square feet is usable office space 10, 20 years from now? And, is coming office innovation increasing the pace at which current office space becomes obsolete?

[CHAPINM1]

Guaranteed that by the time the whole complex is done, the demand will be there for the space...

[NYguy]

The last point regarding the coming "obsolescence" of a large precentage of the existing commercial office space is a very salient point, that I think often gets overlooked when one listens to discussion about "new" office space. The expansion may not really be what the numbers say given the amount of "obsolete" office space that is/will be converted to other uses ( i.e. residential, hotel, etc.). In other words how much of that 380 million square feet is usable office space 10, 20 years from now? And, is coming office innovation increasing the pace at which current office space becomes obsolete?

Even when the WTC is completed, Downtown will have less office space than it had before, partly because of conversions. A lot of the older buildings have been converted to residential already, and that will only continue with time.

Another point is that the City itself has rezoned the west side of Manhattan for about 30 msf of commercial space to be built over the next 30 years, but even that may be conservative. But nobody's making the same complaints about the Hudson Yards or Manhattan West developments, and yet those too will be needed down the line.

[NYguy]

Looking down, from sarahcasper (http://flickr.com/photos/31266868@N04/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/3037415709_db60c4bdd3_b.jpg

[NYguy]

From tonyalittmann (http://flickr.com/photos/tonyasphotos/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3036504166_ea7259b2d9_b.jpg

[CIPStructures8821]

Who is the going to handel the concrete on this project?

[NYC4Life]

Working on any of the surrounding towers gives you the massive scope on what it's like to see this site in person and the ongoing work.

[NYguy]

Comparison shot, from the cleanup of 2002 to construction in 2008:

From keyportkid (http://flickr.com/photos/21800290@N06/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/3043958239_4e39656b4e_b.jpg


From scottdavidsmith (http://flickr.com/photos/scottdavidsmith/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/3042200252_5fe961b918_b.jpg

[H4vok]

wow...cool comparison! Two new towers in the background and significant progress in the foreground.

[BrandonJXN]

wow...cool comparison! Two new towers in the background and significant progress in the foreground.

And Fitterman Hall rotting in both of them.

[NYC4Life]

And Fitterman Hall rotting in both of them.


One the other end, you have the Deutsche Bank Building.

[NYguy]

And now, a word from the Port Authority...

http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_290/wellbebetter.html
We’ll be ‘better neighbors’ as we rebuild the W.T.C.

http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_290/face.jpg

By Chris Ward
November 21 - 27, 2008

Last month, as the result of Governor Paterson’s call for a more transparent and accountable process, I presented a roadmap to get the World Trade Center rebuilding on track — one that outlined aggressive yet realistic timelines for all of the major projects, as well as interim milestones so the public can track the Port Authority’s progress and hold us accountable.

The Port Authority is now hard at work on our next challenge: the need not only to rebuild the World Trade Center as quickly as possible, but to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses located around this very active construction site.

It’s easy to understand the anxiety and frustration that Lower Manhattan residents and businesses have experienced since Sept. 11. In the five months since becoming executive director of the Port Authority, you have shared with me stories of sleepless nights due to late-night construction, dirty and congested streets, and difficulties navigating around an ever-expanding construction zone.

As the level of construction activity ramps up, we will ramp up our efforts to be better neighbors. This starts with a basic premise: the construction on the site has to move forward, but at the same time we must listen to those most affected by the site’s construction, and find ways to improve their quality of life.

To facilitate this effort, we recently created an Office of Program Logistics, which is now the focal point for mitigating the byproducts of a massive construction site. This office will provide regular updates to residents and businesses and will be the point of contact for anyone who believes we can do things better.

To staff that office, we hired renowned traffic expert Sam Schwartz, who will help us develop creative solutions that will improve the movement of people, vehicles and equipment around the site.

Recently, Sam walked the site with community leaders to listen to their concerns and incorporate the community’s input into solving the problems in and around the site.

As a result of that walk, we received numerous recommendations to improve conditions around the site and have already started implementing many of them.

Specifically, we were asked to find ways to deter illegal vending around the site. As a result, I’ve asked our staff to install clear, visible signs as soon as possible to deter this activity, and have ordered our Port Authority Police Department to be more aggressive in their crackdown.

At the community’s request, I’ve also charged the Office of Program Logistics to develop recommendations on how we can improve the flow of pedestrians at the intersection of Church and Vesey Sts., perhaps the most congested area around the W.T.C. site. I’ve also asked them to work with the Downtown Alliance to provide better ways to improve pedestrian way-finding.

We’re also acting on another of the recommendations made during the tour: the paving of a portion of Liberty St. between Church and Washington Sts., to make it easier for pedestrians to walk through that area of the site.

And, in our ongoing effort to keep the site clean and informative, we are replacing the current fence surrounding the World Trade Center site with a new, clean and informative wrapping of designs depicting the current progress on the site, what the site will look like when it is rebuilt and improved way-finding signs so pedestrians can get to their destinations faster and more easily.

Importantly, these efforts build on past ones, including the installation of soundproof devices on certain types of construction equipment, the purchase of street sweepers to clean local roads, and the installation of soundproof barriers on the fencing that surrounds the site.

Still, despite these efforts, we know we can always do better. To make sure we are constantly accessible to new ideas and community concerns, we recently launched a feature on our website — www.wtcprogress.com — called “Ask the Port Authority.” I have already begun responding to your questions and look forward to more.

In the meantime, we will continue working hard every single day to rebuild the World Trade Center and will do so in a way that not only rebuilds quickly and safely, but with respect to the surrounding community.

Chris Ward is executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

______________________

New timeline

After seven years of missed World Trade Center redevelopment target dates, Chris Ward, the Port Authority’s executive director, released a report on Oct. 2 which he said is a realistic accounting of the difficulty of building a memorial, office towers, transportation hub and supporting infrastructure all at the same time in a relatively confined space. Below are dates when the Port expects to complete key portions of the project

Memorial Plaza Sept. 2012 *
Memorial & Museum 2013 (Jan. – June)
Transportation Hub Oct. 2013 – June 2014
Freedom Tower 2013 (April – Dec.)

*The Port expects to have the plaza ready for a large public ceremony on the tenth anniversary of the attacks, Sept. 11, 2011. The memorial waterfalls at the Twin Towers’ footprints are scheduled to be finished then. The names of the people killed on Sept. 11, 2001 in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville Pa, and of the six killed at the World Trade Center in the 1993 bombing will be written on the walls surrounding the waterfalls. The plaza will then be closed to the public for a year before it is completed and opens to the public.

http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_290/crew.jpg

Workers lift steel for the Freedom Tower, right next to the east-west underground passageway from the train station, just two pieces to the new World Trade Center site plan.

[Indescribable]

[QUOTE=NYguy;3923468]Comparison shot, from the cleanup of 2002 to construction in 2008:

From keyportkid (http://flickr.com/photos/21800290@N06/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/3043958239_4e39656b4e_b.jpg

Alot sure has happened since this was taken.

[rich_200]

^
What WAS going on I think were localized repairs.

[NYguy]

Alot sure has happened since this was taken.

A lot has happened. It's interesting though, as others have pointed out, that 2 new towers have gone up while Fitterman Hall remained relatively untouched.

[CHAPINM1]

A lot has happened. It's interesting though, as others have pointed out, that 2 new towers have gone up while Fitterman Hall remained relatively untouched.

Then there's also that Barkley Street Tower that blocks the Woolsworth Tower view from the WTC site! hehehehe...

[pattali]

:previous: Do you mean Barclay Tower condominiums ?

[Surrealplaces]

The whole area is really coming along. I can't wait to see it when it's finished. I plan on making a trip down to see the area in person once it's compete.

[CHAPINM1]

:previous: Do you mean Barclay Tower condominiums ?

That would be the one... ;)

[Puzzlecraft]

Seems like the forms cladding has been removed from the most recent core pour rather than jumping to the next level. Maybe we are getting ready for more steel and a different core method from here?

Answering my own question .... no.... illusion caused by lighting from a different angle.

[sw5710]

[When will steel start to rise on wtc1?

[Atlantan]

I love the sight of all those cranes.

[America 117]

I have a question, what about 5 and 6 world trade center, aren't they going to rebuild those?
because the last one is 4 and then it skips to 7.

[Ilex]

I have a question, what about 5 and 6 world trade center, aren't they going to rebuild those?
because the last one is 4 and then it skips to 7.I think that there's going to be a small WTC 5, but I'm not sure about 6.

[Austin55]

what about the center for performing arts thing?

[photoLith]

There is a serious lack of pictures on this forum.

[pattali]

:previous: You are right but it so difficult on this site to take some photo, exceptions are Joe Woolhead at http://joewoolhead.blogspot.com/, NyGuy's tour , WTC Earthcam , View from WFC at http://www.rebuildgroundzero.org/, anonymous from Hilton's Hotel, WFC, North gateway, One Liberty plaza and more.:tup:

[NYguy]

I have a question, what about 5 and 6 world trade center, aren't they going to rebuild those?
because the last one is 4 and then it skips to 7.

The is the planned 5 WTC, but there are a few other buildings that could take up the "6" including the PAC, the memorial Pavilion, or the memorial museum. There's always the matter of the hotel space to be worked out.

[Nomadd22]

I have a question, what about 5 and 6 world trade center, aren't they going to rebuild those?
because the last one is 4 and then it skips to 7.

5 will go where the old Deutsch bank building is after they tear it down. 7 is named 7 because that was the name of the original building in that location. There's no plans for a 6.

[NYguy]

^ They aren't calling anything "6" yet.

curbed.com

WTC Special Report #1: Freedom Tower Rises

http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3166/3055696127_43a1feff0d_o.jpg

Monday, November 24, 2008
by Sarah Hromack

Sweet, sweet Freedom Tower: One day, we will see your spire climb all the way up to 1,776 gloriously patriotic feet. Not until the fourth quarter of 2013, however, if the Port Authority's most recent progress update is to be believed. With construction costs on the rise, the David Childs-designed tower will cost $3.1 billion. (Within 7% of the original estimate. Bargain!) Bonus fun fact: over 13,000 cubic yards of concrete have already been poured down the Freedom Tower's throat, though that number is likely higher by now. And now that the concrete's a flowin', the real challenge will be finding tenants to fill that 2.6 million square feet of office space. A worry for another day.

http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3052/3054899253_13368485e5_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3223/3055741604_6058b35f65_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3238/3055734322_a19b40d6f4_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3009/3055696195_d5d214eb45_o.jpg

[NYguy]

Images from curbed.com of the Calatrava hub connecter...

http://curbed.com/archives/2008/11/24/wtc_special_report_2_calatravas_hub_of_burning_bills.php?o=5

http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3248/3056227232_0275d1cd19_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3074/3056216716_78265bc070_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3236/3055384857_99aa95c29f_o.jpg__http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3254/3056202080_fcb130a79c_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3293/3055695933_908f048c69_o.jpg


http://curbednetwork.com/cache/gallery/3182/3056178408_ae5b3957f0_o.jpg

[America 117]

Will the path station be built and opened before freedom tower is?
And what about the underground mall?

[TANGELD_SLC]

This is going to be a beautiful tower, but I think it's sad that progress has been so slow. Yep, it's QUITE the message we're sending to the rest of the world.

[NYC4Life]

Will the path station be built and opened before freedom tower is?
And what about the underground mall?

The Transit Hub will most likely be the last element at the site to be completed, sometime in late 2013-2014. The mall is currently also being rebuilt (to be located beneath the Freedom Tower) which will be double level, as oppose to the original single level mall. The mall itself could open by 2012-2013. Retail space will also be included in Towers 2, 3, and 4.

[NYguy]

The Transit Hub will most likely be the last element at the site to be completed, sometime in late 2013-2014. The mall is currently also being rebuilt (to be located beneath the Freedom Tower) which will be double level, as oppose to the original single level mall. The mall itself could open by 2012-2013. Retail space will also be included in Towers 2, 3, and 4.

The Freedom Tower will have some retail below, but the bulk of the retail space is being built east of Greenwich, below towers 2, 3, and 4 and above ground in those same towers. In fact, Calatrava's terminal (the main building) could be considered nothing more than a mall, when you take into account that the actualy PATH station itself will be west of Greenwich. But it will all be connected underground, even as far away as the Fulton Street transit center.

[NYguy]

This is going to be a beautiful tower, but I think it's sad that progress has been so slow. Yep, it's QUITE the message we're sending to the rest of the world.

I think the only message the rest of the world needs to know is that they tried to get it right. This was not a simple rebuilding of what was there before. And considering when actual work began, I think they're doing quite well. Those pictures will speak more than any news of "delays" can.

[NYguy]

More images of the connector from the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/24/nyregion/24rebuild.html

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25937757.JPG


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25907577.JPG


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25907571.JPG


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25937761.JPG


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25907573.JPG

[America 117]

The Freedom Tower will have some retail below, but the bulk of the retail space is being built east of Greenwich, below towers 2, 3, and 4 and above ground in those same towers. In fact, Calatrava's terminal (the main building) could be considered nothing more than a mall, when you take into account that the actualy PATH station itself will be west of Greenwich. But it will all be connected underground, even as far away as the Fulton Street transit center.

so there is no real mall down there?:shrug:

[Lecom]

so there is no real mall down there?:shrug:

Nope

[CMack]

Really liking how everything is coming together! :yes:

[NYguy]

The curbed.com photos in larger detail:

1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/3055321881_75fa3f8e04_b.jpg

2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/3054894475_0961ddb15f_b.jpg

3.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/3054899253_6ffc3100bc_b.jpg

4.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/3056178408_aba47ce671_b.jpg

5.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3055738798_9157d960d7_b.jpg

6.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/3056448490_d5201bafcd_b.jpg

7.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3056216716_6ee17dcbe2_b.jpg

8.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3055377917_a7d7291074_b.jpg

9.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/3055387767_32fb38c68f_b.jpg

10.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3055360117_3ea8e933d8_b.jpg

11.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3055449469_e217f2925f_b.jpg

[Ghost]

Great update, thanks!

[America 117]

I cant wait to see it all done, its going to look so modern!

[drew11]

Wow, I haven't checked on this one in a while, it is doing great. One question though, how come they keep pushing back the completion date. Four years is a long time to wait, why is this. :)

[America 117]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Wtc_th_0805_5.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Wtc_th_0805_10.jpg
The Old mall
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/487354604jtxfjiphjx4-full.jpg

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mall_at_the_World_Trade_Center

More of the mall and path station.:cool:
I think they changed the arches a little since the 2nd pic.

[America 117]

Future Mall at the World Trade Center

The future Mall at the World Trade Center, currently under construction, calls for roughly 500,000 square feet (46,000 m2) of retail space, which will once again make it the largest shopping mall in Manhattan. Although the new mall will only be spread over roughly one half of the original mall's footprint (due to the new space required for the below-grade WTC museum), the mall will be double-level, whereas the original mall was a single-level mall. Three additional levels will also exist above-grade on the lower floors of Towers 2 and 3, and Tower 4 will house four above-grade levels.[4] According to developer Larry Silverstein:

from wiki

sorry for all the posts.

[NYC4Life]

What we be the new concourse looks almost similar to the main concourse of Penn Station:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Wtc_th_0805_10.jpg

http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/hudson-rail/images/3-ny-penn-station.jpg

[NYC4Life]

In this photos, you can make out where the railing will be placed.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25907577.JPG

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/photo/2008/11/24/24arches/25937757.JPG

[Wheelingman04]

Thanks for the updates.:)

[NYguy]

Just realized today that the Freedom Tower had been added to the Big Apple float. Missed it the past few years, but here are some older photos from piecemaker10 (http://flickr.com/photos/18598852@N00/).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2060537993_b2bd250f3a_o.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/2060538187_ac69ee130b_o.jpg


With Ashanti on today's float, from sharkbait430 (http://flickr.com/photos/sharkbait430/).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/3064954364_5d2351c993_b.jpg

[NYC4Life]

Perhaps, next year we'll see towers 2, 3, and 4 added to the Big Apple.

[NYguy]

Perhaps, next year we'll see towers 2, 3, and 4 added to the Big Apple.

Maybe they can get Tower Verre on there...

Looking up the future Greenwich Street from elisapadilla (http://flickr.com/photos/elisapadilla/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3072192548_2309578473_b.jpg

[pablosan]

Thanks for the updates.