Photos of Ground Zero in New York City show piles of dirt, scaffolding, and construction cranes. What are they building there? Will New York ever recover from the ruins left after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks? The answer is a resounding yes. While construction has stalled on some projects, skyscrapers are rising. Here's a status report on reconstruction at the New York World Trade Center, and a look into the not-so-distant future.
1 World Trade Center (Freedom Tower)
Image by SPI, dbox via Getty Images
Lead Architect: David Childs
Construction Began: June 2006
Expected Completion: Late 2013
As New York removed debris from Ground Zero, architect Daniel Libeskind proposed a sweeping master plan with a record-breaking skyscraper he called Freedom Tower. A symbolic cornerstone was placed in July 4, 2004, but two years passed before construction began. Architect David Childs became the lead architect for Freedom Tower, while Libeskind focused on the overall plans for the World Trade Center site. Now called 1 World Trade Center, or Tower 1, the skyscraper will rise 1,368 feet, with an enormous spire bringing the final height to 1,776.
2 World Trade Center
Rendering: Foster and Partners, courtesy of Silverstein Properties
Lead Designer: Norman Foster, Foster and Partners
Construction Began: September 2008
Expected Completion: Street level by mid-2012, with additional construction pending real-estate market conditions
At 78 stories (1,254 feet), Tower 2 was slated to be the second tallest building at the New York World Trade Center. With a dazzling diamond-shape crest, 2 World Trade Center also promised to be one of the most interesting buildings at Ground Zero. However, a troubled economy has delayed construction. The future is uncertain for Norman Foster's skyscraper.
3 World Trade Center
Image: RRP, courtesy of Silverstein Properties
Lead Designer: Richard Rogers Partnership
Construction Began: February 2008
Expected Completion: 2014
High-tech architect Richard Rogers has designed a skyscraper using a complex system of diamond-shaped braces. Because Tower 3 will have no interior columns, the upper floors will offer unimpeded views of the World Trade Center site. Expected to rise 71 stories (1,155 feet), 3 World Trade Center will become almost as tall as the celebrated Freedom Tower.
4 World Trade Center
Rendering: Maki and Associates, Zy and Partners, courtesy of Silverstein Properties
Lead Designer: Fumihiko Maki, Maki and Associates
Construction Began: February 2008
Expected Completion: April 2013
WTC Tower 4 is an elegant, minimalist design. Each corner of the skyscraper will rise to a different height, with the highest elevation at 977 feet. Architect Fumihiko Maki designed 4 World Trade Center to complete the spiral configuration of towers on the World Trade Center site. Construction is well underway.
World Trade Center Transportation Hub
Courtesy Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Lead Designer: Santiago Calatrava
Construction Began: September 2005
Expected Completion: mid-2014
Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed a bright, uplifting transportation terminal for the new World Trade Center. Located at Fulton and Broadway Streets, the hub will provide easy access to the World Financial Center (WFC), ferries, and 13 existing subway lines.
The National 9/11 Memorial (Reflecting Absence)
Squared Design Lab, © National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, WTC Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Lead Designers: Michael Arad and Peter Walker
Construction Began: March 2006
Completed: September 11, 2011
The long-awaited National 9/11 Memorial lies at the heart and soul of the World Trade Center site. Two pools symbolize the fallen Twin Towers. Known as Reflecting Absence, the memorial is both moving and serene with gushing waterfalls and a tree-lined plaza. For many people, the completion of the National 9/11 Memorial marks the true beginning of recovery.
The National 9/11 Museum
Rendering by Squared Design Lab, Courtesy of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Lead Designer: Craig Dykers, Snøhetta
Construction Began: March 2006
Expected Completion: September 2012
The National 9/11 Memorial site will incorporate a museum of artifacts that were salvaged from the destroyed buildings. At the entrance, a tall atrium will display two enormous steel trident (three-pronged) columns that survived the terrorist attacks. The atrium will lead down to subterranean exhibition galleries.
