NEW YORK | One World Trade Center | 1,776' Pinnacle / 1,373' Roof | 108 FLOORS - Page 157

NYC4Life · #**3121** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 3:41 AM**

Alot of the victims' families and survivors would never want them rebuilt.

NYguy · #**3122** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 11:36 AM**

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06172008/business/price_of_freedom_115909.htm

PRICE OF FREEDOM
PA'S SHOPPING GROUND ZERO PROJECT TOWER

By STEVE CUOZZO
June 17, 2008

The Freedom Tower is up for grabs.

Although Port Authority of New York and New Jersey insiders deny wanting to sell it outright, the agency has approached major developers about taking the slow-moving Ground Zero project partially or completely off its hands, sources told The Post.

PA Chairman Anthony Coscia and Executive Director Chris Ward have recently had talks with Related Cos., the Stephen Ross-led giant that created the Time Warner Center and has been chosen to develop the West Side rail yards.

Earlier this year, sources said, the PA, advised by Deutsche Bank, made a similar pitch to Brookfield Properties, the publicly traded company that owns the World Financial Center. Reps for Related and Brookfield did not return calls.

With Brookfield, a source said, "The PA was a bit vague as to how it would work, but they basically wanted to privatize the Freedom Tower. But Brookfield didn't regard the project as economically viable."

PA officials declined comment. But insiders said the agency wants a developer to form a "partnership" that would reduce its risk while bringing in a company "fully knowledgeable in their core business of real estate development."

Because the PA owns the land, a transfer would likely take the form of a long-term lease.

It was understood that any developer jumping in would not start from scratch, but complete the $3 billion tower as it's currently designed.

However, the PA does not need a developer merely to finish building the skyscraper - the agency prides itself on its construction expertise. Nor does it need one just to handle leasing, a chore now assigned to Cushman & Wakefield.

The PA has in the past acknowledged the possibility of taking on a financial partner such as Fortress or Blackstone in the delayed tower - but not a development company to take a majority or minority stake.

Now, sources say, both options are on the table - "whichever will alleviate pressure on them."

The PA has proclaimed its commitment to build the Freedom Tower ever since it assumed control of the project from Larry Silverstein 18 months ago.

Steel is slowly rising - more than can be said of anything else at Ground Zero - but it's clearly a fiscal and political burden for the PA. "Office development and leasing is not their strong suit," a source said.

"They have their hands full with the rest of Ground Zero, and they want to clear the decks if they take over Moynihan Station" - as Sen. Chuck Schumer has proposed.

The Freedom Tower was supposed to be an "iconic" skyline reclamation reaching 1,776 feet. But it's since been reduced to 1,368 feet - the height of the original Twin Towers - topped by a broadcast antenna that might never be built.

Last week, Gov. David Paterson asked Ward to audit Ground Zero projects to determine how much they will cost and when they can be completed.

2-TOWERS · #**3123** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 3:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamatzu

Like the plan Donald Trump supported?

(You can see the old lobbies at the footprints of the old towers)

I thought they were going to put one or two tridents in the memorial, is this what you're talking about? Even though it would be infinitely sweeter if they somehow maintained alot more than just two.

EDIT: (Also, I just noticed that, in the picture of the skeleton that NYGuy posted, you can see an American flag at the top. Thought it was interesting.)

take away the smaller buildings and have these modern twins along with the new # 7 and perhaps a smaller #7 say 20 floors and you have a great complex

Kamatzu · #**3124** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYguy

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06172008/business/price_of_freedom_115909.htm

The Freedom Tower was supposed to be an "iconic" skyline reclamation reaching 1,776 feet. But it's since been reduced to 1,368 feet - the height of the original Twin Towers - topped by a broadcast antenna that might never be built.

Whoa, what? That part confused me a little. Are they debating about whether or not install the antenna?! I thought that kind of seemed indispensable at this point.

RockMont · #**3125** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:23 PM**

1,776 is the height it will be, if the antenna is included.

Kamatzu · #**3126** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockMont

1,776 is the height it will be, if the antenna is included.

Yes, but that article is implying that the antenna may not be built. Am I reading this right?

Lecom · #**3127** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:25 PM**

I doubt they'll remove the antena, at least because the city desperately needs a new communications tower.

Dac150 · #**3128** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:29 PM**

I would be highly shocked if that is the route they choose. For the reasoning Lecom stated alone is enough justification to include the antenna.

Kamatzu · #**3129** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dac150

I would be highly shocked if that is the route they choose. For the reasoning Lecom stated alone is enough justification to include the antenna.

That's what went through my mind as well. At least there's always something interesting going on regarding the WTC!

Dac150 · #**3130** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamatzu

At least there's always something interesting going on regarding the WTC!

Yes, the fun never ends and the tension always remains.

Lecom · #**3131** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:47 PM**

My only fear about the tower is that they'll keep the size and height (I doubt they'll get rid of their coveted 1776 height figure), but to save money would make the design craptacular and uninteresting.

Dac150 · #**3132** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 5:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lecom

My only fear about the tower is that they'll keep the size and height (I doubt they'll get rid of their coveted 1776 height figure), but to save money would make the design craptacular and uninteresting.

So you're suggesting that they'll once again redesign the entire tower. That I wouldn't count on. Perhaps finances will effect the materials used, but the design itself, I would think not.

I would think though they'd cut other costs before touching any of the four towers. The PATH Station, the concourse, the mall, the memorial. If I'm correct both the PATH Station and the concourse have already taken cut backs. That's not to say there won't be more but if the PA and Larry intend to fill these four tower then they'll have to make a quality building that'll fill the needs of the tenants.

Lecom · #**3133** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 6:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dac150

So you're suggesting that they'll once again redesign the entire tower. That I wouldn't count on. Perhaps finances will effect the materials used, but the design itself, I would think not.

I was talking only about the transmission tower.

NYC4Life · #**3134** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 6:29 PM**

The height with the antenna is symbollic, so it would be foolish and very hypocritical not to include the spire in the final height.

MikeS · #**3135** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 9:20 PM**

I love it when the "flutters" break out here. Take a deep breath guys.

NYguy · #**3136** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 9:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamatzu

Whoa, what? That part confused me a little. Are they debating about whether or not install the antenna?! I thought that kind of seemed indispensable at this point.

Don't be confused by that. The spire is the only thing taking the building to 1,776 ft. The antenna will be inside the spire. There's no debate about the antenna, which is do or die at this point for the broadcasters. However, there hasn't been a final deal reached about rents, etc. because there has been a disagreement among the broadcasters themselves. What would be nice is if they could push it back up to 2,000 ft like they originally wanted, but its highly unlikely that would happen.

gramsjdg · #**3137** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 11:35 PM**

NYguy:
Is there any chance then that the actual building can be modestly increased in height? Say, to 1450 or 1500 ft? As overbuilt as the tower seems, I would think it could easily handle another 80-120 ft.

NYC4Life · #**3138** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 11:42 PM**

That's what I thought also. As symbollic as the final height will be (1,776) it is all due to the spire. This is 1 building that could have always used a roof height increase. It's height is virtually the same as from the original 1WTC, something I always objected. With all the delays that took place, it is only fair to make this building taller, without cheating with an oversized spire that's already big enough.

jjk1103 · #**3139** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 11:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockMont

1,776 is the height it will be, if the antenna is included.

......antennas are not considered part of the height of the building ?! ...because they are not considered to be a permanent part of the building.....which is why the Sears Tower is always quoted at 1,450 ft (roof) ....not 1,725 ft (including antennas)

jjk1103 · #**3140** Posted **Jun 17, 2008, 11:52 PM**

.oh, I see ........the antenna is inside the spire !!!