Yes I know it's not September 11, but amid all the gloom these days, I thought I'd share a piece of good news. After nearly a decade of designs, competitions, haggling, delays, and initial phases, the 1,776 ft 1 World Trade Center is visibly rising at the site of the former World Trade Center towers.
Having nothing at this site for the past 8 years has definitely been a blow to the national psyche.
Last October:
In September 2001, leaseholder Larry Silverstein said, "it would be the tragedy of tragedies not to rebuild this part of New York. It would give the terrorists the victory they seek."
In November 2001, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation was formed to oversee the rebuilding process, even though the land was still owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and leased by Mr Silverstein. It was made up of appointees of Governor Pataki and Mayor Giuliani, at the time. The LDMC has since been denounced by both former Governor Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg for poor efficiency, delays, waste, and lack of decision making.
The foundation of this building was finally poured on November 18, 2006. On May 17, 2008 the tower's steel breached street level for the first time. By November 1, 2009 construction of the second floor was mostly complete. The fifth floor was completed on January 16, 2010.
February 2010:
In the Snow:
Photos via Skyscrapercity.
The tower is expected to be topped out in 2011 and open for business by April 2013.
Lower Manhattan of the future: