These beautiful pictures, this undoubtedly will be an icon recognized in the world.A I think is the most beautiful tower under construction.
When will be finished?

I believe the spire is ugly and makes the whole building look like a hypodermic needle. Is it supposed to a tribute to heroin addicts everywhere? How nice they put it in New York.

For me the needle looks great, and it is not that I am addicted but I love that touch that gives the tower itself.

this coming from somebody from DC. Doesn't the Washington Monument look like something far waste.

I love the design, when its finally done will be an excellent tribute

I did :)
Does anyone know what are those round things attached to the base of the spire? Lights maybe?

they look like Radio Drums.

Since the FT is going to have one of the highest radio carrying capacities in the world, that would be a safe bet.

These beautiful pictures, this undoubtedly will be an icon recognized in the world.A I think is the most beautiful tower under construction.
When will be finished?

The tower is projected to be finished in the second to fourth quarters of 2013

from http://www.earthcam.net
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/2580/megapixelcamera20081204ol9.jpgMassive push on the memorial today; steel all the way to the other end, and more of the white concrete base put into place.Nice picture from wtc.com

http://www.wtc.com/uploads/images/712x534/14_40_T1-Nov-26-2008.jpg

:cheers:What is that yellow sheet of metal on the hinges that was recently installed on top of the Freedom Tower perimeter?

I'm guessing the Yellow sheet metal is for the future work on the Fulton street deckover that is supposed to start in January-ish.

I believe the spire is ugly and makes the whole building look like a hypodermic needle. Is it supposed to a tribute to heroin addicts everywhere? How nice they put it in New York.

Definitely agree with you on that one. Such a beautiful building was such an ugly spire stuck on top. It definitely looks like it was designed by two different people.

Massive push on the memorial today; steel all the way to the other end, and more of the white concrete base put into place.What is that yellow sheet of metal on the hinges that was recently installed on top of the Freedom Tower perimeter?

its for walls :), they make a rectangle and put concrete in it.

When will be finished?
When they espect to finish the project?

I'm guessing the Yellow sheet metal is for the future work on the Fulton street deckover that is supposed to start in January-ish.
No its not. Is for concrete wall ;)

What the hell are they doing down there?

I was in NY in April 07, and the hole still looks the same :ohno:

I think the tower won´t be finished until 2015, if he´s ever gonna be constructed!

What the hell are they doing down there?

I was in NY in April 07, and the hole still looks the same :ohno:

I think the tower won´t be finished until 2015, if he´s ever gonna be constructed!

then don't look in this thread again, go bitch somewhere else. :bash:

Hate it when people complain about the speed of the Freedom Tower.

I believe the spire is ugly and makes the whole building look like a hypodermic needle. Is it supposed to a tribute to heroin addicts everywhere? How nice they put it in New York.

Are you serious? What about the antenna on the original One World Trade Center? Did that make the whole building look like a hypodermic needle? What about the spire on the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building? I think the spire fits in perfectly with the other iconic skyscrapers in NYC.

http://www.s-church.net/photo/nyc0807/mini-DSC00997.jpg

Is it supposed to a tribute to heroin addicts everywhere?

Shouldn't you be out on a ledge somewhere?

Hate it when people complain about the speed of the Freedom Tower.

Why is this bad? Is the Freedom tower something "holy" or what?

^^ "Holistically fast" would have been more appropriate.

Taken Dec. 05

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/522/p1000569xw3.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3046/p1000570eq8.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3368/p1000571mp6.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5900/p1000573dz1.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4849/p1000578zx2.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5106/p1000581xl2.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/8/p1000588lf0.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6439/p1000595rj7.jpg

The tower is projected to be finished in the second to fourth quarters of 2013

Thank you very much for your answer, that zone, the zone of zero is going to be awesome, the best skyline in the world without a doubt, and indeed it is, the New York skyline is the best in the world.

Are you serious? What about the antenna on the original One World Trade Center? Did that make the whole building look like a hypodermic needle? What about the spire on the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building? I think the spire fits in perfectly with the other iconic skyscrapers in NYC.

http://www.s-church.net/photo/nyc0807/mini-DSC00997.jpg


i've never thought about that.. but looking.. the chrysler building looks like a needle.. uahahuaha just kidding
i dont like the spiral but chrysler building is magnific..

Are you serious? What about the antenna on the original One World Trade Center? Did that make the whole building look like a hypodermic needle? What about the spire on the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building? I think the spire fits in perfectly with the other iconic skyscrapers in NYC.
There's a big difference. As you mentioned the original WTC actually had an antenna instead of a spire and it was added after the buildings were completed, they were not part of the original design. The spires on the Chrysler building and the Empire State building are both integral to the design, the buildings taper in and there is a smooth transition into the spire.

On FT the "spire" actually looks much like the antenna on the original WTC. It is not at all integral to the designing, instead it is a needle stuck on top of a box to get the desired height. In my opinion this makes the new building's design look downright ugly and not at all aesthetically pleasing.

without the spire, the building would be even more boring.
stop bitching because the ones who are, i can guarantee worship the original twins, which were even more boxy and an even less detailed spire.
hypocrites rejoice!

I Disagree with you bro. The Spire/antenna looks much better than say... the NYTimes Spire. It molds in if you look at the donut. DO i think it could be molded in much better... yes. Do i still love this tower.... yes. Do i hate the spire.... no. Its part of the design and as a whole the tower looks good. An icon of american re-construction.

now I understand, why there isn't any progress to see!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5106/p1000581xl2.jpg

The workers are doing a break!

I think they are looking at the site and pondering: "why is there no progress? we come here every day, keep looking and still nothing...."

its for walls :), they make a rectangle and put concrete in it.Thanks for explaining! Just to be clear, are you talking about the colored panels along the edge of each core, or are you talking about the panel along the edge of the East-West Connector? I was talking about the last one.Why is this bad? Is the Freedom tower something "holy" or what?It's not that the Freedom Tower is "holy," it's just that (from what I can tell from having read through this thread) someone new asks the question every two or three pages. If you're a regular here, it must get really old after a while.

Not to mention that it's obvious "what the hell" they are doing in "the hole" to anyone who's paying attention:
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2898/thenandnowwtcsitecf7.jpg

When you visited:
Half the site had yet to be excavated
The entrance to the operating transportation hub was in a completely different location
The concrete cores for the Freedom Tower had yet to be started
There was no East-West Connector
The memorial footprints had yet to take shape
Etc. Etc.

Are you serious? What about the antenna on the original One World Trade Center? Did that make the whole building look like a hypodermic needle? What about the spire on the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building? I think the spire fits in perfectly with the other iconic skyscrapers in NYC.

http://www.s-church.net/photo/nyc0807/mini-DSC00997.jpg

Just my opinion, but I think the Chrysler Building is the best classic scraper on the planet...I just love it. And this, with the Empire State, just scream New York. They would both be out of place in any other city. Cue up the Gershwin music, please...

Taken Dec. 05

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/522/p1000569xw3.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3046/p1000570eq8.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3368/p1000571mp6.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5900/p1000573dz1.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4849/p1000578zx2.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5106/p1000581xl2.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/8/p1000588lf0.jpg

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6439/p1000595rj7.jpg

thanks for the great pics!!!!


the rest of the "negative" guys on here.... come on, let's stop the crap about "shouldn't you be on a ledge?" I am a newb on here, even though i have been on this site(no membership) for almost 2 years.... everyone has their opinions.... dont put em down cuz of it.....

p.s. Love the Spire, lol

Post #6778: sämelihülz=PWNT

Every part of the site is different from then, save the ramp which will be removed soon to make way for construction.

Big progress...

now I understand, why there isn't any progress to see!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/5106/p1000581xl2.jpg

The workers are doing a break!

:lol:

as you can see in the shot below....the next floor has been poured :cheers:

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5900/p1000573dz1.jpg

^^ Exactly :yes:

wow heavy, i've been waiting for this moment for ages. We'll definitely see the south core jump within a week.

They will remove the ramp but if they have done that how the hell do they get machinery and people down there?

;29027696']They will remove the ramp but if they have done that how the hell do they get machinery and people down there?

umm let's see, by crane :nuts:

anyway next to north core, is that pieces of another crane (red) ???:dunno:

The red pieces are the climbing assembly being installed on the south crane. Must be preparing to jump the south crane. Check out Davis Group website for demo of jump process, very interesting.

http://www.dcmerectors.com/tower-crane_video.htm

wow heavy, i've been waiting for this moment for ages...
You are not the only person... me too :cheers: finally some nice progress :)

webeagle12
anyway next to north core, is that pieces of another crane (red) ???

Yes this is another crane.You can see it on left side of this image and another one is on the right side.
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6439/p1000595rj7.jpg

When you visited:
Half the site had yet to be excavated
The entrance to the operating transportation hub was in a completely different location
The concrete cores for the Freedom Tower had yet to be started
There was no East-West Connector
The memorial footprints had yet to take shape
Etc. Etc.


nice ownage right there :lol: i was thinking the same thing too... thanks for showing him up :)

This will take some 20 years to build if the core rises at this pace, when is it going to shoot up??

it'll rise faster when the whole construction is above street-level.

it'll rise faster when the whole construction is above street-level.

wait but i heard that they cant continue to much unless they finish building parts of the PATH terminal that will connect the whole complex.

In fact, the progression of the construction is really slow. =_="

The red pieces are the climbing assembly being installed on the south crane. Must be preparing to jump the south crane. Check out Davis Group website for demo of jump process, very interesting.

http://www.dcmerectors.com/tower-crane_video.htm

It can be the climbing assembly, that as to be already a round the base of the crane to support it. It would also be extremely difficult to say the least to put it around the crane now. I believe it actually is part of the boom for another crane for the memorial.

nice ownage right there :lol: i was thinking the same thing too... thanks for showing him up :)Thanks! I don't see any reason to be nasty to anybody, when the facts will make my points for me.wait but i heard that they cant continue to much unless they finish building parts of the PATH terminal that will connect the whole complex.By PATH terminal, do you mean transit hub? While its construction affects many facets of construction on the site, there's relatively little interaction between the Freedom Tower and the transit hub. What's slowing them down is the PATH tunnel, which runs directly under the Freedom Tower on the edge of the site. The scheduled PATH closures next year will allow them to complete construction over the tunnel. By the time the Freedom Tower is completely above street level, the PATH tunnel won't be a concern, because it will be buried under several stories.

webeagle12


Yes this is another crane.You can see it on left side of this image and another one is on the right side.
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6439/p1000595rj7.jpg

i said north core, not south

but about that crawler crane, damn that one large boom

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2898/thenandnowwtcsitecf7.jpg

I'm glad that this picture was posted.
I too was one of those who said "why is this so slow"
(but I was not stupid enough to post it) :nuts:
This picture shows lots of construction.

I can understand if someone gets angry about complaints.
The amount of emotion involved with anything about
the "ground zero" site is tremendous.

Good to see it rising despite the economic slowdown.

Spire/no spire...
who really cares...
The fact that these buildings are rising, that is what is important!!! :banana:

Thanks for posting those 2 pics mclancer...
The difference between 30 April 2007 and today is very obvious :)

People who say that progress is slow don't look at webcam pictures but visit ground zero and see nothing above ground and asume that virtually nothing happens.

;29058188']People who say that progress is slow don't look at webcam pictures but visit ground zero and see nothing above ground and asume that virtually nothing happens.Exactly. The parts of the construction that are visually dramatic are such a small part of the overall process.

things seem like there going pretty down there to me but what do I know.

Thanks! I don't see any reason to be nasty to anybody, when the facts will make my points for me.By PATH terminal, do you mean transit hub? While its construction affects many facets of construction on the site, there's relatively little interaction between the Freedom Tower and the transit hub. What's slowing them down is the PATH tunnel, which runs directly under the Freedom Tower on the edge of the site. The scheduled PATH closures next year will allow them to complete construction over the tunnel. By the time the Freedom Tower is completely above street level, the PATH tunnel won't be a concern, because it will be buried under several stories.

Thanks !

Thanks for posting those 2 pics mclancer...
The difference between 30 April 2007 and today is very obvious :)

You call that a lot of progress for 19 months! Get real guys and stop being cheerleaders for the political and bureaucratic nightmare that is the WTC site. What a joke.

You call that a lot of progress for 19 months! Get real guys and stop being cheerleaders for the political and bureaucratic nightmare that is the WTC site. What a joke.

:bash:

You call that a lot of progress for 19 months! Get real guys and stop being cheerleaders for the political and bureaucratic nightmare that is the WTC site. What a joke.

only joke here is you buddy now here's me laughing in your face:lol:

You call that a lot of progress for 19 months! Get real guys and stop being cheerleaders for the political and bureaucratic nightmare that is the WTC site. What a joke.It's only a joke for those who demonstrate a complete ignorance of how such projects work. The WTC is the most complex project under development today.

First, you're building in New York City, the densest real estate in the nation. My father used to work for the state's Department of Transportation, and all of the jobs in the city took four times as long and cost ten times as much as the project's equivalent in upstate. You spend as much time constructing temporary roads, walkways and bridges to keep this mass of pedestrians and vehicles moving smoothly as you do on the core project being built.

Next, consider the Ground Zero site itself: a politically sensitive pit covering just a few square blocks that up until recently still had to go through an exhaustive search for human remains with each new excavation. As more of the pit was unearthed, the slurry walls that hold back the Hudson River, pushed nearly to their breaking point by the catastrophic damage of 9/11, had to be systematically replaced before any further construction could continue.

All of this just brings us to an empty pit in the ground. But two years after the attacks, the Port Authority built a "temporary" transit hub to restore vital transportation lines knocked out by the terrorist attacks. This includes the busiest station in that PATH system along with two subway lines. All of the construction that has followed has had to work around a very active rail hub with active lines running through all sections of the site. The biggest delay for the Freedom Tower, for instance, is that work can only happen while the subway line that runs through its foundation is not operating. Close the hub for the remainder of construction, and you'd hear people bitching about more than things taking too long.

With all of that being considered, you still have a construction project that will cram into a few city blocks:
Five major skyscrapers with office space equivalent to all of downtown Atlanta, which mixes private- and public-sector development
A museum and a memorial of unparalleled scope.
Extensive reworking of the city's third largest transportation hub, after Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal
A significant subterranean retail footprint
An underground vehicle security center that will screen all vehicles into the site, with a Greek Orthodox Church to be built directly above
Two new streets
A performing arts center
The utilities and infrastructure to accommodate all of that
Meanwhile, the project involves 19 public agencies, two private developers, 101 contractors and sub-contractors (with some contracts yet to be bid) and 33 architects and design firms. Because everything's meshed so closely together, if any one of those players messes up, it reverberates through the rest of the project.

Yes, the original World Trade Center didn't take this long to be built. But it was working with a clean slate, with no greater symbolic significance, under looser regulations and building codes which permitted shortcuts in the building design that contributed to the devastation of that day.

Yes, China builds bigger, bolder and faster these days. But as we saw this yeah when the Sichuan earthquake collapsed newer public buildings like schools while older buildings remained standing, faster is not always better. Better to do it cautious and do it right.

It's only a joke for those who demonstrate a complete ignorance of how such projects work. The WTC is the most complex project under development today.

First, you're building in New York City, the densest real estate in the nation. My father used to work for the state's Department of Transportation, and all of the jobs in the city took four times as long and cost ten times as much as the project's equivalent in upstate. You spend as much time constructing temporary roads, walkways and bridges to keep this mass of pedestrians and vehicles moving smoothly as you do on the core project being built.

Next, consider the Ground Zero site itself: a politically sensitive pit covering just a few square blocks that up until recently still had to go through an exhaustive search for human remains with each new excavation. As more of the pit was unearthed, the slurry walls that hold back the Hudson River, pushed nearly to their breaking point by the catastrophic damage of 9/11, had to be systematically replaced before any further construction could continue.

All of this just brings us to an empty pit in the ground. But two years after the attacks, the Port Authority built a "temporary" transit hub to restore vital transportation lines knocked out by the terrorist attacks. This includes the busiest station in that PATH system along with two subway lines. All of the construction that has followed has had to work around a very active rail hub with active lines running through all sections of the site. The biggest delay for the Freedom Tower, for instance, is that work can only happen while the subway line that runs through its foundation is not operating. Close the hub for the remainder of construction, and you'd hear people bitching about more than things taking too long.

With all of that being considered, you still have a construction project that will cram into a few city blocks:
Five major skyscrapers with office space equivalent to all of downtown Atlanta, which mixes private- and public-sector development
A museum and a memorial of unparalleled scope.
Extensive reworking of the city's third largest transportation hub, after Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal
A significant subterranean retail footprint
An underground vehicle security center that will screen all vehicles into the site, with a Greek Orthodox Church to be built directly above
Two new streets
A performing arts center
The utilities and infrastructure to accommodate all of that
Meanwhile, the project involves 19 public agencies, two private developers, 101 contractors and sub-contractors (with some contracts yet to be bid) and 33 architects and design firms. Because everything's meshed so closely together, if any one of those players messes up, it reverberates through the rest of the project.

Yes, the original World Trade Center didn't take this long to be built. But it was working with a clean slate, with no greater symbolic significance, under looser regulations and building codes which permitted shortcuts in the building design that contributed to the devastation of that day.

Yes, China builds bigger, bolder and faster these days. But as we saw this yeah when the Sichuan earthquake collapsed newer public buildings like schools while older buildings remained standing, faster is not always better. Better to do it cautious and do it right.

Cheers! While all of those are extremely valid and truthful reasons, I believe that our annoyance with the lenghth of time this is taking has more to do with symbolism than everything else. The fact that almost a decade after the atacks, the site is still basically a hole in the ground, and politics and interest groups have gotten in the way of things. What was supposed to be a testament to American endurance and fortitude has instead become more of a symbol of American bickering, and politics.

Plus, a lot of people dont like thew design. I like 1wtc, but some of the other ones look out of place and strange.

...An underground vehicle security center that will screen all vehicles into the site, with a Greek Orthodox Church to be built directly above...

Are you talkin' about the small greek church in the shade of old twin towers?
This is good...

Cheers! While all of those are extremely valid and truthful reasons, I believe that our annoyance with the lenghth of time this is taking has more to do with symbolism than everything else. The fact that almost a decade after the atacks, the site is still basically a hole in the ground, and politics and interest groups have gotten in the way of things. What was supposed to be a testament to American endurance and fortitude has instead become more of a symbol of American bickering, and politics.That's fair. I appreciate you making your argument respectfully. The biggest time lost was during the first four or so years, when they went into the project without a clear plan of action. The last three years or so have proceeded as fast as is feasible, though. It's just a massive, massive project.Are you talkin' about the small greek church in the shade of old twin towers?
This is good...Yes, St. Nicholas Greek Church. Resolving the key stumbling blocks between the Port Authority and the church's board was one of the key stumbling blocks that delayed work on that side of the site. The New York Times had a great article about the church this week, “Faith and Frustration at Ground Zero” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/nyregion/07greek.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink). I'd recommend checking it out if you're interested.

now I understand, why there isn't any progress to see!



The workers are doing a break!
same thing caught my eye. Many workers standing around and waiting that "their" work comes.
7 in this pic
http://www.johannes-hopf.de/temp_pic/20081125_NYC/1305_20081124_NYC_.JPG


and 6 here
http://www.johannes-hopf.de/temp_pic/20081125_NYC/1311_20081124_NYC_.JPG

They wait for something “big”
Some truck crane that transports enormous metal joists in the site... :dunno:


Yes, St. Nicholas Greek Church. Resolving the key stumbling blocks between the Port Authority and the church's board was one of the key stumbling blocks that delayed work on that side of the site. The New York Times had a great article about the church this week, “Faith and Frustration at Ground Zero” (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/nyregion/07greek.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink). I'd recommend checking it out if you're interested.
Thanks for the info and for the site :)

is it me or one side of north core went up? :righton:

nm looks like it's been like that for while

The are pouring floor over what appears to be the PATH tunnel.

is it me or one side of north core went up? :righton:

nm looks like it's been like that for while

no nothing's gone up, the north core hasn't done that for the past how many ever months.

yes, but they poured the next floor already...maybe they've to lift the crane before they can lift the formwork to the next floor

I'll get photos tomorrow.

- A

They are going to remove the ramp later this week according to the NY Times.

They are going to remove the ramp later this week according to the NY Times.Here's the article:
“Dismantling Ground Zero’s Bridge to Bedrock” (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/dismantling-ground-zeros-bridge-to-bedrock/)

The same author posted another article concerning the site today:
“Ground Zero, Gift-Wrapped for the Holidays” (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/ground-zero-gift-wrapped-for-the-holidays/)
It sounds like the dismantling of the Deutsche Bank building has begun again.

Also, get updates regarding progress on your cellular phone, PDA, pager, or e-mail account from the Port Authority:
Port Authority WTC Updates (http://wtcupdates.com/)

I have no problem with the time scale of this project or Projects. Allot of work had to be done to the "Bath Tub" after all the debris was taken away, and it had to all be cleared in a taste full manor to honor the dead. Now the Main tower is rising and im happy.

You call that a lot of progress for 19 months! Get real guys and stop being cheerleaders for the political and bureaucratic nightmare that is the WTC site. What a joke.

^^^^ :soapbox: :hilarious:hahaha::hahaha::hilarious:hahaha::hahaha::hilarious

^^ :lol: :D

Interesting articles

^^ wth lets be on topic.

The tower cranes are deigned to self assemble their own climbing assemblies. It is easier to have multiple cranes on site to aid in the installation of climbing assemblies. Look back at the beginning of the job and notice that only the lower baskets were installed onto the bases of the cranes and what was recently installed on the South crane (using the North crane) was the upper basket and supporting framework to complete the jacking assembly.

It can be the climbing assembly, that as to be already a round the base of the crane to support it. It would also be extremely difficult to say the least to put it around the crane now. I believe it actually is part of the boom for another crane for the memorial.

The tower cranes are deigned to self assemble their own climbing assemblies. It is easier to have multiple cranes on site to aid in the installation of climbing assemblies. Look back at the beginning of the job and notice that only the lower baskets were installed onto the bases of the cranes and what was recently installed on the South crane (using the North crane) was the upper basket and supporting framework to complete the jacking assembly.

Same post twice ^^ (?)

^^ One for people who like quotes and another one for people who don't :lol:

Hey Guys, I found this yesterday. Looks like the ramp is going away starting this weekend. Enjoy,
Lance




PORT AUTHORITY AND NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM TO BEGIN REMOVING SIGNATURE RAMP FROM WTC SITE TO MAKE WAY FOR CONTINUED MEMORIAL REBUILDING
Date: Dec 09, 2008
Press Release Number: 146
The 460-foot-long ramp that has served as the conduit for thousands of 9/11 victims family members and notable leaders to go from street level to bedrock at the World Trade Center site will be removed beginning this weekend to make way for continued rebuilding of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Starting this Saturday, December 13, the Port Authority will begin to dismantle the ramp to allow the steel installation for the Memorial and Museum to progress. The ramp must be removed since it sits in the middle of the Memorial quadrant, a critical location required for the cranes erecting steel. The steel for the northeast section of the Memorial has already reached street level.

It will take approximately a month for the ramp to be completely removed.

Because of the ramp’s historical significance to the World Trade Center clean-up effort, the rebuilding, and 9/11 anniversary commemorations, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum intends to preserve a section of the ramp as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.

The ramp was completed in March 2002 following the removal of debris from the 80-foot-deep World Trade Center basement resulting from the collapse of the Twin Towers on 9/11. Prior to the ramp’s construction, crews used muddy roads supported by packed debris to access the subgrade levels.

Installation of the ramp, which is composed of five spans supported by five concrete piers, allowed recovery workers and construction crews and vehicles to easily access the below-grade areas of the site during the final recovery efforts, the subsequent rebuilding of the temporary World Trade Center PATH Station, and the initial construction work on the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The ramp was designed with a loading capacity to accommodate construction equipment in excess of 90,000 pounds.

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, "This ramp is a link to the site's past, but now we're rapidly moving to the future and building a project we believe will make all of us proud, and honor the memories of those who were lost. We will remain focused on the construction work that remains to fulfill our commitment to have the Memorial's plaza finished by the 10th anniversary of 9/11."

Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, “As important as the ramp has been to the rebuilding, its absence represents progress and a real step forward. It means steel is going up and it means the 9/11 Memorial is that much closer to completion.”

“Since 2002, the ramp has provided access to the site for recovery, clean-up and construction,” National September 11 Memorial & Museum President Joe Daniels said. “Its use, in particular, on 9/11 anniversaries to bring people to bedrock has been an important part of personal and collective commemoration. The removal is a major step forward in constructing the Memorial and it reminds us of the sacrifices of thousands, united in their efforts to assist in the aftermath of the attacks. Given the historical importance of the ramp, we are planning to incorporate a portion of it in the Memorial Museum’s permanent collection.”

In early September, the first pieces of steel were erected for the Memorial project, and since that time, more than 600 tons of steel have been installed.

As the Memorial rises to street level, workers will access the below-ground area via staircases, and equipment and materials will be delivered via cranes.

CONTACT:
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Candace McAdams, 212 435-7777

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart International and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge and Bus Station; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit system; the Port Authority-Downtown Manhattan Heliport; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.

The Port Authority is financially self-supporting and receives no tax revenue from either state.



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A new set of renderings of the towers and completed site has been put up on wtc.com, but it's 6AM here in NY and I'm too lazy to post anything now.

There are a lot of workers now doing some stuff on the ramp ...

There are a lot of workers now doing some stuff on the ramp ...

they are moving the "stairs" to a permanent home, that why a lot of workers are there.

A new set of renderings of the towers and completed site has been put up on wtc.com, but it's 6AM here in NY and I'm too lazy to post anything now.
Tomorrow or day after... :) Please...

Tomorrow or day after... :) Please...

You can see all 14 new renderings here (though some aren't really new): http://www.wtc.com/media/images/s/wtc-renderings-wtc-streetscape

They finally finished moving the staircase around 10:40am Eastern Time this morning (I was watching it live on rebuildgroundzero.com's webcam :) ). They also delivered some kind of huge, roughly 70 foot long steel beam to the site as well as a 2nd one of those big "truss" looking things, which I have no idea will be used for. Since then, nothing else has really happened. They seem to have gone home for the day due to the rain.

NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM AND PORT AUTHORITY MOVE HISTORIC
“SURVIVORS’ STAIRS” REMNANT TO FINAL PLACEMENT IN MEMORIAL MUSEUM

Date: Dec 11, 2008

Press Release Number: 148

Memorial & Museum and Project Rebirth Announce Partnership to Chronicle History of
Rebuilding through Time-Lapse Film Available Online

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey today moved the historic Vesey Street Stair Remnant (known as the Survivors’ Stairs) to its final placement in the Memorial Museum site. The Stairs, which were used as a vital route to safety on the morning of September 11, 2001, were the first artifact moved to the Museum site when they were lowered to a temporary location at bedrock level in July 2008.

In partnership, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and Project Rebirth today began offering a special opportunity for the public to view the historic rebuilding of the World Trade Center site through time-lapse footage available online. The new feature on www.national911memorial.org will be updated regularly with multi-media material focused on different perspectives of the rebuilding progress and highlighting major events.

Memorial & Museum President Joe Daniels said, “This week’s tremendous construction is an outgrowth of so many people’s dedication and commitment to building the Memorial & Museum. The Survivors’ Stairs are now in their final position, becoming the first historic artifact moved into the Memorial Museum, while the ramp’s removal this weekend will allow the steel structure of the Memorial to continue to rise. The rebuilding itself is truly historic and the public can view this process through edited segments of Project Rebirth’s World Trade Center rebuilding documentary project, which will be posted regularly on our website.”

Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, “We've worked hard to make sure this important piece of the World Trade Center's history was safely delivered from street level to its final destination in the Memorial bedrock. Now we can continue the progress we've made to aggressively build the Memorial around it.”

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, “We're proud of our role alongside the Memorial Foundation in preserving this important piece of the site's history. Its move to a permanent home today will allow us to continue installation of steel and other work needed to meet our public commitments for building the Memorial.”

Early this morning, work crews began assembly and connection of the rigging of the structure, which stands 21-feet high; 64-feet long and weigh 57 tons. After connection, the Stairs were lifted by crane, set on a temporary mid-point location, and then re-rigged in order to prepare for a second lift. The Stairs were then moved for the final time 150 feet north in the Memorial quadrant for their permanent installation in the Museum.

The Survivors’ Stairs are the sole vestige above ground of the World Trade Center, a major 20th century architectural complex and engineering achievement credited with stabilizing and re-engineering the economic life of Lower Manhattan. The Stairs were used as a vital route to safety on the morning of September 11, 2001 and are an authentic artifact that bears witness to the events of September 11.

In late 2007, a resolution was reached as a result of collaboration among the Memorial & Museum, government agencies, preservationists, survivors, and the downtown community, to preserve the Stairs. Through this agreement, the full run and scope of the Stairs will be installed along the main stairway of descent in the Memorial Museum, allowing visitors to experience the artifact from the same perspective as the individuals who escaped on September 11. The preservation and placement of the Stairs will speak to the core message that we are all a part of what happened on 9/11.

After the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent rescue and recovery effort, the Survivors’ Stairs were declared one of the historic elements of the World Trade Center site. In 2004, a programmatic agreement signed by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the Lower Manhattan Emergency Preservation Fund, and various preservation and civic groups, ensured that all rebuilding projects over the next ten years preserve the surviving historic elements at the site. To that end, the Memorial & Museum and the Port Authority have worked closely with preservationists to ensure the best possible care and installation of the Stairs.

The Stairs have moved twice in 2008 in order to prepare them for final placement. The historic remnant originally weighed 175 tons and stood 22 feet tall. To prepare for the move, the concrete base of the Stairs was removed, reducing its total weight to 65 tons and an elaborate steel bracing and cradling system was installed. In March, the Stairs were moved to temporary storage near Vesey Street and in July, the massive structure was lowered to bedrock level.

The final move of the Stairs is taking place in a week of major construction milestones for the Memorial & Museum. On Saturday, December 13, removal of the 460-foot-long signature ramp that has allowed access to the World Trade Center site will begin. This progress will allow for steel installation to continue and the south side of the Memorial’s steel structure to be completed.

Given the ramp’s historical significance to the World Trade Center clean-up effort, the rebuilding, and 9/11 anniversary commemorations, the Memorial & Museum intends to preserve a section of the ramp as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.

In September 2008, the first steel columns for the Memorial & Museum were installed at the World Trade Center site. Steel erection has continued in the northeast corner of the north Memorial pool and the eastern side of the south Memorial pool.

Memorial & Museum and Project Rebirth to Chronicle History of Rebuilding through Time-Lapse
Film Available Online

The Memorial & Museum and Project Rebirth, a chronicle of the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site and the lives of ten individuals coping with 9/11, today announced a joint effort to highlight WTC site rebuilding progress on the Memorial Museum’s web site. The partnership also includes the completed Project Rebirth film and footage as a signature resource in the Memorial Museum.

“Through poignant interviews and captivating construction footage, Project Rebirth offers a window into the emotional and physical rebuilding after 9/11,” Memorial Museum Director Alice M. Greenwald said. “We are excited to include this historical record in the Museum and to work with Project Rebirth in the coming years to ensure that this aspect of the 9/11 story is captured for future visitors.”

The new feature on www.national911memorial.org will be updated regularly with multi-media material focused on different perspectives of the rebuilding process and highlighting major events in the progress. The first segment of time-lapse footage chronicles early stages of the rebuilding from March 2002 through late 2003. The segments are being produced in high-definition cinema-graphic quality and crafted by Hollywood filmmaker and founder of Project Rebirth Jim Whitaker, exclusively for the Memorial & Museum.

Project Rebirth Founder and Director Jim Whitaker said, “Since I first conceived of Project Rebirth shortly after 9/11, my ambition was for our film to be featured in a museum that would be located at the WTC site. With construction of the Memorial Museum underway, our partnership with the Memorial Museum remains fundamental to Rebirth’s core mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their programs for years to come.”

Project Rebirth’s historical record will be a signature resource in the Memorial Museum. The most extensive time-lapse project in history, Rebirth’s team of professional film makers are chronicling the WTC reconstruction effort and following the lives of 10 individuals coping with the evolving impact and meaning of 9/11. Along with sending crews onto the site to film construction work in detail, Project Rebirth maintains 12 time-lapse cameras mounted in key positions around the World Trade Center site. The cameras record construction progress 24-hours a day, with one frame shot every five minutes. A 13th camera is expected to be installed in New Jersey to capture the progress of the 1 WTC, the Freedom Tower, and the additional commercial structures under construction, as they rise above the skyline of the World Financial Center. Project Rebirth’s first cameras were installed on March 11, 2002, and will continue recording until the completion of the entire World Trade Center site rebuilding.

The completed film will combine this time-lapse photography with the interviews of ten people dealing with grief and trauma as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001, including first responders and family members, among others. Project Rebirth’s documentary film will be released in 2010, with any proceeds from the film invested in the launch of a Project Rebirth Center for victims of and first responders to events of traumatic loss. Project Rebirth www.projectrebirth.org is a 501C(3) headquartered in New York City and founded by Hollywood filmmaker Jim Whitaker.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is the not-for-profit corporation created to oversee the design, raise the funds, and program and operate the Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center site. The Memorial & Museum will be located on eight of the 16 acres of the site.

The Memorial will remember and honor the nearly three thousand people who died in the horrific attacks of February 26, 1993, and September 11, 2001. The design, created by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, consists of two pools that reside in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, surrounded by a plaza of oak trees. The Arad/Walker design was selected from a design competition that included more than 5,000 entrants from 63 nations.

The Museum will display monumental artifacts associated with the events of September 11, while presenting intimate stories of loss, compassion, reckoning and recovery that are central to telling the story of September 11 and its aftermath. It will communicate key messages that embrace both the specificity and the universal implications of the events of 9/11; document the impact of those events on individual lives, as well as on local, national, and international communities; and explore the continuing significance of these events for our global community.

Donations can be made through and more information can be found at the Memorial & Museum’s website, www.national911memorial.org, or by calling 1-877-WTC-GIVE.

Contact:
Lynn Rasic/Michelle Breslauer, 212-312-8800

Interesting read, thanks.

You can see all 14 new renderings here (though some aren't really new): http://www.wtc.com/media/images/s/wtc-renderings-wtc-streetscape

Thanks a lot RKOwens :cheers: Awesome renderings :okay: :yes:

You can see all 14 new renderings here (though some aren't really new): http://www.wtc.com/media/images/s/wtc-renderings-wtc-streetscape

Those are beautiful renderings. I can't wait to see the Lower Manhattan skyline once they finish the WTC project.

from EarthCam
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4075/megapixelcamera20081212km6.jpg

After seeing this picture made me wondering how many times have this site redeveloped before WTC... Anyone knows? Have pictures?

They blocked the bottom of the ramp with concrete barriers. Looks like ramp is now closed forever. :banana:

The ramp's finally going to be gone! It's about time!:)

^^ Yes, i think the same too

And once the ramp is completely gone, before we can fully realize it, the entire western half of the site will no longer be a hole. Less than two years later, I'm sure we'll be able to say the same about the eastern half.

The side of GZ with the Freedom Tower and memorial will no longer seem so empty; even now, there's stuff everywhere.

Looks like one of the "biggest" skyscraper's project since the old WTC (including the Towers). And the name of the tower itself is perfect.

Apart from the demolition of the ramp, they are also going to increase the height of the crane for the south core :cheers:

^^ I think they're doing that right now, there's red thing that makes the crane jump installed on top of south core.

^^ I think they're doing that right now, there's red thing that makes the crane jump installed on top of south core.

no that red thing is to secure crane to the core itself, the same one was placed when cranes first were installed. :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03910.jpg

just saw on the webcam that they've installed the crane-part for the lifting :)


http://i34.tinypic.com/k3sq6a.jpg

They are lifting it right now, you can see it on the cams :banana:

Yeap, indeed :banana:

They are also removing the first parts of the ramp (upper part)! Lots of activity at the moment, already looking forward to the next years of construction with the possibility to watch all the steps through the webcam!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3105702700_163ec6ce47_o.jpg


It has been raised.

That seems to be topped out in 2011. I hope !!!

A few shots taken today.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5286/p1000620oi3.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9066/p1000621yw2.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6093/p1000622bx7.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/4561/p1000623vd0.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7023/p1000624he4.jpg

no that red thing is to secure crane to the core itself, the same one was placed when cranes first were installed. :)

What's lifting the crane then?

The Red section is attached to the base structure. New crane segments are added inside this and jacked upward...see the hydraulic rams on each side....a climbing crane like the ones used for the original WTC back in the 60's.....I think they used to call them Favco kangaroo cranes because we invented the system here in Australia.

It's good to see the crane rising. It may be sign that the core will rise soon. :)

yep, the formwork will rise in the next days.

The Red section is attached to the base structure. New crane segments are added inside this and jacked upward...see the hydraulic rams on each side....a climbing crane like the ones used for the original WTC back in the 60's.....
Thanks for the info
Finally rising...

Time to put my paint l33t skills in effect :lol: bc I think people confused how this is working.

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/8761/craneme5.jpg (http://img381.imageshack.us/my.php?image=craneme5.jpg)
http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/craneme5.jpg/1/w720.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img381/craneme5.jpg/1/)

Time to put my paint l33t skills in effect :lol: bc I think people confused how this is working.

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/8761/craneme5.jpg (http://img381.imageshack.us/my.php?image=craneme5.jpg)
http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/craneme5.jpg/1/w720.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img381/craneme5.jpg/1/)

Thank you for the diagram WebEagle.

I lost the link, but Federated Crane has a superb video of the process. A key item missing from this diagram is the second base, there are 2. The crane sits on the bottom one (which is braced against the walls of the elevator shaft/core), raises the upper base 2 floors, the upper base braces itself against the walls, then the lower section is freed and pulled up.

Bottom bracing rig in place ( 155 N Wacker dr. Chicago )
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/R9SafOYI4ZI/AAAAAAAAdaQ/0Ggtt-qq-sA/s512/P1140910.JPG

Collar for top rig, note how it is seprated from the bottom brace.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/R1oKluyiq_I/AAAAAAAAQg4/eXJWNhJqXsM/s800/P1150128.JPG

Climbint up ( 353 N Clark st. Chicago )
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8TC_VUmf9Fw/R-ZRN5XSrLI/AAAAAAAAfSs/vN-YvJzOvUs/s640/2008_03_13b.JPG

yep, the formwork will rise in the next days.

you mean south core right?

Its about time, the set concrete's been locked in the form work for over a week now.

yes, the south core will rise

webeagle12 and harryc thanks for the information...
Helped a lot :)

Erom EarthCam
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9701/megapixelcamera20081214sv1.jpg
Removing ramp:)

^^ I'm really amazed at the progress on the ramp. News articles quoted that it would take at least a month. If they keep up this pace it'll be taken done by thursday or friday. I'm sure their will be some additional clean up as well. But man, wow!

^^ Don't forget the concrete foundations underneath the columns, they have to be removed as well ;)

Excellent process! :) So once the ramp removed, they will start working on Memorial Park and waterfall/fountain right?

i dont see how this will take a month, they should be done in a week :lol:

The Red section is attached to the base structure. New crane segments are added inside this and jacked upward...see the hydraulic rams on each side....a climbing crane like the ones used for the original WTC back in the 60's.....I think they used to call them Favco kangaroo cranes because we invented the system here in Australia.

No new tower crane segments... This method is a US patent.. crane design an Australian one.. jacking not.

See this..

http://www.dcmerectors.com/tower-crane_video.htm

Excellent process! :) So once the ramp removed, they will start working on Memorial Park and waterfall/fountain right?

They're already well under construction. I suspect by the next anniversary of 9/11, most of the steel and floors should be complete. After that they'll be working on the museum and all the detail work.

They're already well under construction. I suspect by the next anniversary of 9/11, most of the steel and floors should be complete. After that they'll be working on the museum and all the detail work.

I hardly see any construction process for memorial park and waterfall/fountain area only see construction process for Freedom Tower, retail center, and other towers from the pictures.

all the steel-construction you see to the left of the path-track on the cam is for the memorial....

I want to see a picture of how ground zero looked immediately after the clean up of the debris after 9/11 ... I think it would be interesting to compare the picture with its current state.

No new tower crane segments... This method is a US patent.. crane design an Australian one.. jacking not.

See this..

http://www.dcmerectors.com/tower-crane_video.htm

Thank you - that's the video - a must watch.

im looking forward to this...:happy:

I hardly see any construction process for memorial park and waterfall/fountain area only see construction process for Freedom Tower, retail center, and other towers from the pictures.

The memorial construction only began on September 2nd of this year, just a little over 3 months ago, but already there has been enormous progress. From what I've heard, the steel installation for the entire memorial park except for the small area over the PATH platforms will be completed in June 2009. The steel decking will be completed by September 2009. Concrete pouring will begin this month and will be completed by the 2nd quarter of 2010. Then the finishing touches for the memorial (tree planting, cobblestone installation, waterfall construction, etc.) will begin, with the memorial opening on the 10th anniversary, September 11th, 2011.

It's going to be a lot of fun watching all the construction on the webcams thoughout 2009. People and media will still gripe and moan about how this is all late and behind schedule. But you won't be able to deny all the progress made. I can't wait to see the full outline of the former WTC footprints.

At leastv they start the construction of the Memorial :)

Today pic from EarthCam
http://i368.photobucket.com/albums/oo124/chris-the-007/No2/wtc1.jpg
The core in WTC1 i think looks higher...

damn I didn't think that ramp would ever comr down. At less not this fast good job.

can somebody with smart brain tell me what is being installed at the north-east part of the site? (the white/grey thing laid on the floor) I haven't even a hope of making up what it is...

^^ That are corrugated steel floor plates. They are laid on top of the steal beams over the PATH tracks. Once installed they'll pour concrete on top of the plates. The combination of steel plates with concrete makes a strong light weight floor. They are using the same technique for the memorial :)

i'm so glad to finally see the ramp start to come down. for some reason, that has always been the symbol in my mind of the slow progress at the site.

I have some photos that i'll post asap. I keep forgetting that the PATH loop, and part of the street level area of the station is against/on top of the irt broadway line. Anyone interested in seeing freaky views of the site, ride the 1 back and forth and PATH too. No cameras on PATH.

- A

wow! the crane looks massive and strong!

^^ That are corrugated steel floor plates. They are laid on top of the steal beams over the PATH tracks. Once installed they'll pour concrete on top of the plates. The combination of steel plates with concrete makes a strong light weight floor. They are using the same technique for the memorial :)
Yes i noticed that (for the memorial) :)

I have some photos that i'll post asap. I keep forgetting that the PATH loop, and part of the street level area of the station is against/on top of the irt broadway line. Anyone interested in seeing freaky views of the site, ride the 1 back and forth and PATH too. No cameras on PATH.

- A

Hope to see the pictures soon! I saw the freaky views of the site from the PATH train when I visited last September. Yeah, the part passing through the Freedom Tower was weird. It was like going through a dark rocky cave with weird utility lighting for the construction workers. Now that I think of it, since the train did technically pass within the footprint of the building, I can say that I've been inside the Freedom Tower! :banana:

BTW, metsfan (or anyone else in NYC), are you able to get any photos of the Freedom Tower from inside the PATH hub? I was able to get a great, close up view of the construction with the naked eye, but there was a lot of netting at the time which made it nearly impossible to take any clear pictures, and the few seconds of video I shot with my point-and-shoot camera came out horrible. The netting may have been removed since then. Ever pass along this way?

Is it me or there is a piece of memorial steel sticking out from middle of the ramp (bottom of the ramp) ???

^^ They indeed made a hole in the ramp to place a column over there. I guess they removed the wrong part of the ramp last weekend and had to find a simple solution in order to continue building the memorial :lol:

@RKOwens, stop it! You make me jealous :lol: :cheers:
Can't wait for pictures btw :)

I want to see those pics too :)

Construction Worker Injured at WTC Site

The Port Authority tell us that the construction worker was not pinned by a collapsed crane, as previously reported: "A crane maintenance worker fell 3 feet off a crane while doing routine maintenance at 7 a.m. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to St. Vincent's as a precaution." His injury is "not believed to be life-threatening."

http://gothamist.com/2008/12/18/world_trade_center_crane_accident.php

Looks like it happen on north side of memorial site ( 7:15am on earthcam)

^^Glad to hear it is not serious injury.

3 feet? That's like falling out of bed. Why is this a big deal suddenly? Hopefully it doesn't cause any delay. (No disrespect to the guy.)

So glad this building is finally rising! I know it took a lot of time to clean that mess up and get things going, but it's been far too long in my opinion. Hope it rises quickly and without any problems and restores lower Manhattan's skyline to its former glory (or better). :cool:

From earthCam
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3021/megapixelcamera20081218gq2.jpg
great progress:)

WOW. Who’s the contractor?-Speedy Gonzales. "¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba!"

With that kind of pace they can finish ahead of schedule.

Construction Worker Injured at WTC Site

The Port Authority tell us that the construction worker was not pinned by a collapsed crane, as previously reported: "A crane maintenance worker fell 3 feet off a crane while doing routine maintenance at 7 a.m. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to St. Vincent's as a precaution." His injury is "not believed to be life-threatening."

http://gothamist.com/2008/12/18/world_trade_center_crane_accident.php

Looks like it happen on north side of memorial site ( 7:15am on earthcam)

Hmmm yeah falling 3 feet off a crane isn't news. Now with so much going on down below, I can see how he got hurt. And why would his injury be life threatening. Did he fall on his neck, did a bigger fatter guy fall on top of him.

No new tower crane segments... This method is a US patent.. crane design an Australian one.. jacking not.

See this..

http://www.dcmerectors.com/tower-crane_video.htm

Yeah...looking at harryc's pics see it is quite different but remember the original WTC used our cranes back in the 60's....guess there will always be improvements to any idea.....

^^How many meters is freedom tower above street level???

From earthCam
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3021/megapixelcamera20081218gq2.jpg
great progress:)
Great progress indeed
What is the white stuff in Memorial?

What is the white stuff in Memorial?

ummm floors ( they actually will put concrete on top) :lol:

Unfortunately they will probably stop almost all the work today because of snow storm.

ummm floors ( they actually will put concrete on top) :lol:

Unfortunately they will probably stop almost all the work today because of snow storm.
well, at least it's not a sandstorm (-->dubai!) :cool:

Great progress indeed
What is the white stuff in Memorial?It's low-weight steel. As WebEagle12 said, they'll pour the concrete on top of it to make the middle "tier" of the waterfall.Unfortunately they will probably stop almost all the work today because of snow storm.Looks like:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3878/rgz20081219vo5.jpg

WOW! ^^ Cool pic

^^How many meters is freedom tower above street level???

The roof will be 417 meters above street level, exactly the same height as the original Twin Towers. The spire on top will rise another 408 feet, but I don't know exactly how many meters that is (135?). Ultimately, it'll be well over half a kilometer tall.

Seeing the webcam views of the memorial today, I wonder what the memorial park will look in like in winter when there's been heavy snowing. Probably the trees will be bare/nearly invisible and the entire area will be white and indestinguishable, except for two massive squares in the ground.

The spire on top will rise another 408 feet, but I don't know exactly how many meters that is (135?).
it's ~ 125 m

WOW! ^^ Cool pic

very cool (or cold) ;)

Good to see this finally getting underway.

It's low-weight steel. As WebEagle12 said, they'll pour the concrete on top of it to make the middle "tier" of the waterfall...
Thanks for the information :okay:

very cool (or cold) ;)
Really cold :D

yehaa finally some progress here!

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3021/megapixelcamera20081218gq2.jpg

Is that already a partial outline of the north tower, or am i seing things?

Van works very well, in a short time will see the towers rising toward the charm cielo.Me the last photo with snow if I am not mistaken.
Thanks for these wonderful pictures.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3021/megapixelcamera20081218gq2.jpg

Is that already a partial outline of the north tower, or am i seing things?

Yes your right, you can already see the outline of the north tower. Also the hole in the middle is visible. :cheers:

Yes your right, you can already see the outline of the north tower. Also the hole in the middle is visible. :cheers:

One side of the South Tower is also outlined.

It seems they're actually working today despite the snow, for both the Freedom Tower and the memorial. You gotta hand it to the ironworkers. They certainly earn their $40,000+ a year.

yehaa finally some progress here!

yeah where you been for the last two years

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3021/megapixelcamera20081218gq2.jpg

Is that already a partial outline of the north tower, or am i seing things?You're not seeing things. The footprints of the twin towers:
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/4739/wtc911memorialfootprintcm2.jpg
Note that the outline of the north tower is closer to the footprint of the original building, while the outline of the south tower is closer to the top lip surrounding the falls. Both are approximations.

I may be a little picky but wish the memorials had their corners shamfered to exactly replicate the twin footprints.

i dont even think they should build a memorial...they should just fill the area with skyscrapers, that would be more usefull!

i dont even think they should build a memorial...they should just fill the area with skyscrapers, that would be more usefull!

You wouldn't say that if one of your relatives died there :mad:

i dont even think they should build a memorial...they should just fill the area with skyscrapers, that would be more usefull!

I prefer the current design; a big plaza surrounded by supertalls. I'm sure it will become a important tourist attraction and a great memorial for those who died there. btw, some more 'green' in New York won't hurt :)

You're not seeing things. The footprints of the twin towers:
http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/4739/wtc911memorialfootprintcm2.jpg
Note that the outline of the north tower is closer to the footprint of the original building, while the outline of the south tower is closer to the top lip surrounding the falls. Both are approximations.
Very nice pic - btw i have noticed the footprints of twin towers too in other pics here...

Note that the outline of the north tower is closer to the footprint of the original building, while the outline of the south tower is closer to the top lip surrounding the falls. Both are approximations.

The reflecting pools of the memorial are a bit smaller than the footprints of the twin towers.
They would go 30 ft in the footprint.
I read this somewhere but I don't know if it's completely true.:lol:

i dont even think they should build a memorial...they should just fill the area with skyscrapers, that would be more usefull!

I fully agree. Or build a central square with some sort of statue or monument in the center, not a sprawling memorial that uses up expensive land.

Last thursday saw even more progress on the underground corridor, with some welding going on. I think i may have some photos to post.

- A

I may be a little picky but wish the memorials had their corners shamfered to exactly replicate the twin footprints.

The memorials will not match the footprints of the Twin Towers exactly anyway, regardless of the 90 degree angles. The footprints of the Twin Towers were each exactly 207 feet, 8 inches by 207 feet, 8 inches wide. Each memorial pool will be exactly 198 feet by 198 feet wide, roughly 5 feet shorter on each of the 4 sides. Of all of the sacrifices that have been made over the past few years, this is the one thing that I believe is 100% inexcusable. Though, so much steel has already been installed for the memorials that any hope of them correcting the dimensions of the pools themselves is long gone.

I'm hoping and praying that they may end up putting a marker on the plaza to outline the exact footprints, such as a bronze band (or perhaps a silver one, to symbolize the color of the original Twin Towers) 5 feet wide which wraps fully around the memorial pools. Below is a photo I made. The silver square depicts the original footprint to the exact pixel. The dark blue square represents the memorial pool outline and the light blue represents the edge of the waterfall and pool below. As you can see, the pools aren't THAT much smaller than the original outlines (especially at the corners), but still noticable, and simply putting in a silver band to mark the exact outlines would be an easy change.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3211/3126354492_102ea3712e_o.jpg

^^Perhaps you should petition someone in charge to get that done. It probably wouldn't be that expensive.

wow there some real fast workers... this will never be done, its going sooo sloww

Don't come in here with that BS attitude about how slow this project is when you most likely dont know shit about it... read the thread, and then reconsider your immature post...

PS: I like the idea of the silver band, and I agree that there is no reason for the pools to be smaller than the original footprints of the towers...

Interesting work RKOwens :)

i dont even think they should build a memorial...they should just fill the area with skyscrapers, that would be more usefull!

I completely disagree. The people that died and their families deserved to be remembered. But most importantly: it should be a symbol to the US remember of the "anonymous" people that died, because of terrorists attacks. The 9/11 victims were like soldiers that died in a war.

I totally agree ^^

While a block full of towers would be more "useful" (whatever that means in this context), it is shameful to even consider not building a memorial. Nearly 3000 totally innocent people died that day, and we just want to pretend it didn't happen. I don't think so. You cannot forget the past or pretend it didn't happen. The memorial I believe is more important than the replacement towers. New York has tons of office space as is, and while it is important for us to build new towers on the site as a way of moving forward as a country in the face of adversity, it would be completely tasteless for a memorial not to be built. And as stated above, New York could use some more green spaces.

I completely disagree. The people that died and their families deserved to be remembered. But most importantly: it should be a symbol to the US remember of the "anonymous" people that died, because of terrorists attacks. The 9/11 victims were like soldiers that died in a war.

Count me in on that disagreement....no memorial? Whatya nuts? I am very happy they chose to build one of that scope and it's fitting that no tower will ever fill the 2 spaces again.

Wow, a HUGE column was just installed in the memorial, in the "great hall" part. It seems to extend all the way from the bedrock to street level, about 70 feet. That makes this the largest single column that has been installed at the World Trade Center site to date.

Anyone know when those two memorial beams which were available for public signing near Battery Park on September 10th and 11th will be installed?

pics?

I completely disagree. The people that died and their families deserved to be remembered. But most importantly: it should be a symbol to the US remember of the "anonymous" people that died, because of terrorists attacks. The 9/11 victims were like soldiers that died in a war.

I agree, but i feel like building two holes in the ground has no physical signifigance, it should be nice though. I doubt it will be families who are coming to the memorial; it is likely that tourists will take over the benches and plazas at the wtc. :nuts:

pics?

look at the webcam: http://www.earthcam.net/users2/interface.php?id=445&projectid=202&clientid=158

i dont even think they should build a memorial...they should just fill the area with skyscrapers, that would be more usefull!

Why don't people keep saying this. Even if I was thinking it, I would never say it. And it Manhattan their building skyscraper all over the place one little memorial shouldn't be that much of a problem. Next thing you'll be asking them to build in central park.

Many say no memorial should be built at all...
Forgeting about the past, however difficult it maybe, is a crime against the future. Those who want to forget their mistakes and the responsibility which burdens them will have the same consequences with those that are the victimes of those mistakes and want to forget the results upon them: They are deemed to repeat the cycle. The point of this memorial isn't to be soothing, its to be a warning and shouldn't be overlooked.

Many say no memorial should be built at all...
Forgeting about the past, however difficult it maybe, is a crime against the future. Those who want to forget their mistakes and the responsibility which burdens them will have the same consequences with those that are the victimes of those mistakes and want to forget the results upon them: They are deemed to repeat the cycle. The point of this memorial isn't to be soothing, its to be a warning and shouldn't be overlooked.

I wish I could understand what you just wrote. But it's comes across as double talk. The victimes of 9/11 made no mistake and who's the memorial a warning to? The Middle-Easterner terrorists who may never see it or to us and the love ones of the victimes.

The memorial is being built. To let the people who died that day know they'll never be forgot and that they didn't die in vain.

what a way to go guys, this thread is gonna get closed if we don't stay on topic. :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

I wish I could understand what you just wrote. But it's comes across as double talk. The victimes of 9/11 made no mistake and who's the memorial a warning to? The Middle-Easterner terrorists who may never see it or to us and the love ones of the victimes.

The memorial is being built. To let the people who died that day know they'll never be forgot and that they didn't die in vain.

The fact that you oversimplify such complex situations is one of those mistakes I was talking about. My remark targeted some spesific comments and because we agree I cannot understand your objection

The thread won't close because of some remarks, after all we always return back on topic,

,which since is the memoral site, that is not important to match physically the towers

I'm sure George Michael will sing his signature song, "Freedom" when the "Freedom Tower" opens.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/mr-fish/Miscellaneous/Waving.gif

why dont they just rebuild the twin tower? they were way better in my opinion

why dont they just rebuild the twin tower? they were way better in my opinion

This never even occurred to me! No one has said it before... are you some kind of radical thinker?

The recent snowstorm cause any problems to construction site? I hope not

i hop not to...
iff that happen there will more time to do the wtc:ohno::ohno:

The recent snowstorm cause any problems to construction site? I hope not

its always harder to work in the winter, its cold, icy and snow covers all equipment, and etc... Frigid temperatures didn't make life easier for workers and equipment in last couple days but it's should warm up by end of this week. I live in upstate NY and here temperatures barely went above 20F yesterday and with wind chills (brr) it felt like 0 to -10, its was COLD.

why dont they just rebuild the twin tower? they were way better in my opinion

Hey, maybe James Cameron should direct Terminator 4! Just one problem, that debate is long over. The new towers are already being built.

Still, I wouldn't be surprised if eventually we do see a new Twin Towers somewhere in NYC which will be comparable to the WTC Twin Towers. There are already the Silver Towers, which are two Twin Towers about half the height of the WTC towers, in midtown (which will be used for residential when completed). The idea of two identical Twin Towers is nothing new, so if you want to see two Twin Towers as tall (or taller) as the original World Trade Center, just wait a while and it'll probably happen. It just won't be at the World Trade Center site.

its always harder to work in the winter, its cold, icy and snow covers all equipment, and etc... Frigid temperatures didn't make life easier for workers and equipment in last couple days but it's should warm up by end of this week. I live in upstate NY and here temperatures barely went above 20F yesterday and with wind chills (brr) it felt like 0 to -10, its was COLD.
About weather temperatures, i heard that in TV indeed

I wonder how all this delays and hurdles in the beginning of the construction will be illustrated in the documentary of freedom tower.

Dziś jest ważny dzień nie dla Ground Zero ale dla ducha historii tego miejsca, to właśnie 38 lat temu 23 grudnia 1970 roku z chwilą wyciągnięcia ostatnich belek konstrukcyjnych na dach North Tower (WTC1) i ich zamontowaniu tego dnia owa wieża stała się najwyższą wolno stojącą budowlą wzniesioną przez człowieka. Po 39 latach odebrano w końcu ten tytuł Empire State Building North Tower była wyższa od Empire State Building o 36 metrów. :cheers:

^^Exactly. Babe Ruth is superior to a Corvette because of Intel Processors.


I note they are starting to spread out the decking over the pedestrian connector. Won't be too much longer and we'll start seeing the beginnings of the grade floor slab.

Did Babe Ruth have a Core i7? I'm sure the Freedom Tower will.

Dziś jest ważny dzień nie dla Ground Zero ale dla ducha historii tego miejsca, to właśnie 38 lat temu 23 grudnia 1970 roku z chwilą wyciągnięcia ostatnich belek konstrukcyjnych na dach North Tower (WTC1) i ich zamontowaniu tego dnia owa wieża stała się najwyższą wolno stojącą budowlą wzniesioną przez człowieka. Po 39 latach odebrano w końcu ten tytuł Empire State Building North Tower była wyższa od Empire State Building o 36 metrów. :cheers:Today is an important day not for ground zero, but for the historical spirit of this place, exacly 38 years ago 23rd dec 1970 in the moment when the last beam was installed on the top of the North Tower this tower bacame the tallest freestanding structure in history of mankind. Finally, after 39 years the title was taken from the Empire State Building - North tower was 36 meter higher than the ESB :cheers:

Translation ^^ :)

Today is an important day not for ground zero, but for the historical spirit of this place, exacly 38 years ago 23rd dec 1970 in the moment when the last beam was installed on the top of the North Tower this tower bacame the tallest freestanding structure in history of mankind. Finally, after 39 years the title was taken from the Empire State Building - North tower was 36 meter higher than the ESB :cheers:

Translation ^^ :)

23 grudnia 1970 roku - współpracownicy arch. Minoru Yamasakiego (nie wiadomo czy sam Yamasaki tam był), inżynierowie, robotnicy itp. świętują pobicie światowego rekordu oraz ukończenia konstrukcji North Tower.
23 grudnia 1970 roku to ważna data dla historii Nowego Jorku jak i budownictwa. Tego dnia został pobity kolejny rekord wysokości ustanowiony przez North Tower (WTC1) gdyż tego dnia budynek osiągnął wysokość 417 metrów i ukończono budowę konstrukcji owej wieży. North Tower po 38 latach odebrała ten zaszczytny tytuł Empire State Building (381m).

http://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/33/main/da3114e5c7.jpeghttp://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/34/main/0560ca92eb.jpeghttp://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/35/main/7ec4439ac9.jpeghttp://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/36/main/f343263829.jpeg

^^^ ENGLISH :bash:

-forget about it-

^^^ ENGLISH :bash:23 December 1970 - Workers etc. finish construction of the North Tower, beating the record. 23 december 1970 is an important date for the history of New York as well as construction. The previous record for height was been beaten by North Tower WTC1 this day because the building achieved a height of 417 meters and it finished construction of that tower's structure. The Empire State Building has gotten back this honorable title after 38 years.

http://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/33/main/da3114e5c7.jpeghttp://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/34/main/0560ca92eb.jpeghttp://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/35/main/7ec4439ac9.jpeghttp://photos.nasza-klasa.pl/19118501/36/main/f343263829.jpeg

did you just translated the same text 3 times in both ways?

Well, you still get the meaning of it, and thats what its all about, isnt it?

But he obviously did not use a good translator.

did you just translated the same text 3 times in both ways?No, I translated a posting which said the same thing in Polish three times with minor variations. Not my fault the original poster repeated himself. There was a little I left out, because I didn't understand what they were saying.

from Flickr:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/3130298799_9a057bd1a2_m.jpg

Lego version (old design I think)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3139079947_f23f2b448e_m.jpg

hand on let me get my magnifying glass ^^

^^ lol, the pictures are really small but what is showed is quite impressive.

^^ So glad they decided not to go with that design, hideous!

^^but it depends in which way you look at the design, this render makes it look amazing

http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/libeskindfreedom.jpg

true but that is a very exaggerated rendering.

Today is an important day not for ground zero, but for the historical spirit of this place, exacly 38 years ago 23rd dec 1970 in the moment when the last beam was installed on the top of the North Tower this tower bacame the tallest freestanding structure in history of mankind. Finally, after 39 years the title was taken from the Empire State Building - North tower was 36 meter higher than the ESB :cheers:

Translation ^^ :)


Officially, yes. But the North Tower actually became taller than the Empire State Building the 19th of October 1970, when a core beam was lifted to the 103rd floor of the tower. ;)

wasn't the ostankino tower finished before WTC north?

It's not a skyscraper and will never be one.

wasn't the ostankino tower finished before WTC north?I think you are right and even though it isn't a skyscraper, he said STRUCTURE.

It's not a skyscraper and will never be one.

Its a TV Tower dude...

December 26th by NYguy, SSP:

1.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487154/large.jpg

2.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487165/large.jpg

3.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487169/large.jpg

4.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487171/large.jpg

5.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487173/large.jpg

6.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487177/large.jpg

7.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487180/large.jpg

8. Gehry's tower rises, while his PAC does not...
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487182/large.jpg

9.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487185/large.jpg

10.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487186/large.jpg

11. The memorial continues to reach street level on all sides...
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487187/large.jpg

12.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487189/large.jpg

13.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487212/large.jpg

14.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487242/large.jpg

15.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487268/large.jpg

16.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487271/large.jpg

17.
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487273/large.jpg

18.[/b]
http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/107487290/large.jpg

Its strange how those concrete have been inside the south core form work for almost a month now and haven't jumped since.

Not bad, But i expected faster construction, it is now more than 7 years from 911, and WTC barely reached street level :ohno:

Officially, yes. But the North Tower actually became taller than the Empire State Building the 19th of October 1970, when a core beam was lifted to the 103rd floor of the tower. ;)Thanks for clarification ^^ :cheers:

Not bad, But i expected faster construction, it is now more than 7 years from 911, and WTC barely reached street level :ohno:
I have the same thoughts. Can't wait to see it finished....

Thanks for the update...

We maybe can't see the progress on the first sight, but people, trust me, the progress is huge...:)

^^ you are right...I can't see any progress (maybe some) but I'll trust you :D

Atleast it seems they are taking some pace in building the memorial. But i have not seen one of the freedom tower cores rising since ages...

It's not a skyscraper and will never be one.

yea the quote was "tallest freestanding structure" rather than skyscraper

Taken December 26, 2008:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3146748876_5efe2fd24b_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/3146748876/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3146754106_5d36695e64_b.jpg (flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/3146754106)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3146756644_0788a770bc_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/3146756644)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3145918623_5130771332_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/3145918623)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3145926359_f6b820cd7d_b.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/3145926359/)

The rest of my pictures of the Freedom Tower under construction are HERE. (http://flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/sets/72157611809401970/)

http://flickr.com/photos/bostoncitywalk/

Yeap! Those updates are great indeed ^^

I think there's been slight lift of form work on southern core. compared to yesterday the formwork rose slightly, but its interesting because they don't lift usually form works just 'SLIGHTLY' but all the way.

Already at work the day after Christmas?

^^ to make up for the time lost on this project would require workers to work probably 15 hours day until completion, I think they can't give them too much time off. :lol:

I think there's been slight lift of form work on southern core. compared to yesterday the formwork rose slightly, but its interesting because they don't lift usually form works just 'SLIGHTLY' but all the way.

They might just try to work even slower. :lol:

Already at work the day after Christmas?

A great building mentality indeed. Labour-pathos.

lots of things going on today after week and a half of crappy weather and holiday: concrete pour next to south core, they making progress in dismantling ramp again, plus other shit going on that I cant making out through camera. :):)

p.s: we should start petition on putting 1 more earth camera on east or north side. :)

plus other shit going on that I cant making out through camera. :):) p.s: we should start petition on putting 1 more earth camera on east or north side. :)

From what I can tell, a lot more steel has gone up today in the north pool. The north and east side of the central "hole" (which the water will fall into) is now defined, and the south side was defined already. Won't be long until we can see the full outline of at least one pool. There IS a webcam which overlooks the site from the west (from the World Financial Center) at rebuildgroundzero.com, which provides a much better view of the memorial and Towers 2-4 sites (its view of the Freedom Tower is kind of crappy though), but it's been down for the past few days.

By the way, on CNN yesterday there was a report about the memorial for Flight 93 in Shanksville where they said that they're now trying to have the memorial completed in time for the 10th anniversary (previously they said it wouldn't be completed in time). They only thing holding them up is that the landowner where the plane crashed at is being an unbelievable a$$hole and won't sell the land to the memorial planners for the asking price, and they're asking Bush to seize the land before he leaves office so they can build the memorial. With the Pentagon memorial already open, hopefully all three will be completed in time for the 10th anniversary, which is already long enough.

http://www.honorflight93.org/images/entryportal_small.JPG

From what I can tell, a lot more steel has gone up today in the north pool. The north and east side of the central "hole" (which the water will fall into) is now defined, and the south side was defined already. Won't be long until we can see the full outline of at least one pool. There IS a webcam which overlooks the site from the west (from the World Financial Center) at rebuildgroundzero.com, which provides a much better view of the memorial and Towers 2-4 sites (its view of the Freedom Tower is kind of crappy though), but it's been down for the past few days.


that camera sucks big time

By the way, on CNN yesterday there was a report about the memorial for Flight 93 in Shanksville where they said that they're now trying to have the memorial completed in time for the 10th anniversary (previously they said it wouldn't be completed in time). They only thing holding them up is that the landowner where the plane crashed at is being an unbelievable a$$hole and won't sell the land to the memorial planners for the asking price, and they're asking Bush to seize the land before he leaves office so they can build the memorial.

how is the owner an asshole?
the families of the people who died on board the airplane are assholes.
a hijacked plane goes down and suddenly the surviving family members feel compelled to take privately owned land and turn it into a 2,200 acre memorial.
if they dont get their way, they go crying to bush so that he can forcefully take the land away from the owners.

Hey everybody,

I have a friend who is a construction worker working at the Freedom Tower site.....and while I was home in NYC for Christmas, he told me that the Freedom Tower will be taller than 1776. Has anyone else heard this buzz?......

@kingsdl76
How reliable is your friends source? Where exactly has he heard that from, or is that just a rumor? Because the 1776ft mark is a very important thing, which in my opinion is not a subject of change at all.

Nevertheless it would be great if the tower would reach even this mark without using an ugly spire. Hope dies last... but the foundations are already done.

how is the owner an asshole?
the families of the people who died on board the airplane are assholes.
a hijacked plane goes down and suddenly the surviving family members feel compelled to take privately owned land and turn it into a 2,200 acre memorial.
if they dont get their way, they go crying to bush so that he can forcefully take the land away from the owners.

Although I like to think of some people as assholes, I wouldn't refer to them as such, because even proclaimed assholes are people that need to be heard in order to be understood. I think the city government has done a fine job weighing out each party's rights. Silverstein got the right to rebuild approximately the equivalent amount of office/commercial space he lost on September 11. Families of those who lost loved ones that day wished that the foot prints of the trade center towers weren't going to be built on and they got their wish too.

Impressive construction :cheers: Hope to come back to New York when they finish this building. New York's skyline is pretty strong, but WTC is missing there :(

By the way, on CNN yesterday there was a report about the memorial for Flight 93 in Shanksville where they said that they're now trying to have the memorial completed in time for the 10th anniversary (previously they said it wouldn't be completed in time). They only thing holding them up is that the landowner where the plane crashed at is being an unbelievable a$$hole and won't sell the land to the memorial planners for the asking price, and they're asking Bush to seize the land before he leaves office so they can build the memorial. With the Pentagon memorial already open, hopefully all three will be completed in time for the 10th anniversary, which is already long enough.
I don't see anything wrong with the owner asking whatever he wants to the property, it's his and he should be able to ask whatever he wants for it. The people wanting it don't have to pay if they don't want to. The government also shouldn't use its power to seize the land. Maybe an acre or two where the main of the plane ended up and an appropriate right of way but the amount of acreage being discussed is totally ridiculous. The owners certainly isn't an A$$hole as you suggest, rather the victims families are for wanting such a large piece of land. If they want this much land than we should have bulldozed all of Manhattan form appropriate memorial there!

New York's skyline is pretty strong, but WTC is missing there :(
I feel the same indeed...
when Freedom Tower is complete the things in NYC wiil be much better

Concrete Pour

south west corner had concrete pour from yesterday 12:00AM to 5:00PM :banana: progress though, the current highest floor around the core is nearly done apart from the hidden floors behind the cores which are still quite far behind in height.