PWC celebrates 'Downtown Rising' at annual event.

On Wednesday, March 22, 2006, Professional Women in Construction will dedicate its 26th annual awards reception to "Downtown Rising," a celebration of the rebirth of Lower Manhattan through one of the most massive and complex reconstruction programs ever undertaken in the history of New York City.

The gala event will salute the developers and builders behind the first rebuilt tower, 7 World Trade Center, and the soon to launch WTC Transportation Hub, remarkable structures that provide living proof that New York City will not be bowed.

The PWC gala will be held at The Yale Club in New York City from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

The development and construction of 7 WTC involved women architects, engineers, construction personnel, analysts, and others in key positions to take it from design to reality in the face of some unique challenges. The expectations are high as well for the Transportation Hub.

Both structures are stunning examples of beauty wedded to security. 7 World Trade Center has a shimmering facade of over 500,000 s/f of glass specially molded as a sort of safety shield that will change its appearance according to the surrounding weather conditions. It creates a formerly nonexistent view corridor to the tip of Manhattan and marks the start of a reconnection between Tribeca and the Financial District.

The WTC Transportation Hub, a freestanding glass and steel structure, will connect PATH trains to ferries and subway service across Lower Manhattan. Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, it will feature ribbed cathedral-like arches that will open each year on the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Said Calatrava at the unveiling of his soaring design, an event attended by Governor George Pataki and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, "This is the Port Authority's gift to New York City. It will be a lamp of hope in the middle of Lower Manhattan, creating an unbroken line of natural light from the platforms to the sky."

PWC will honor 7 World Trade Center owner/developer Silverstein Properties; landowner Port Authority of NY & NJ; construction manager Tishman Construction Corp.; Skidmore Owings & Merrill architects; and Cantor Seinuk Group engineers. For the WTC Transportation Hub, PWC will pay tribute to owner Port Authority of NY & NJ; construction manager Phoenix Constructors, working in a joint venture with Fluor Enterprises, Slattery Skanska, Granite Construction, Bovis Lend Lease; the design partnership of DMJM Harris, STV and Santiago Calatrava; and construction manager oversight joint venture, Parsons Brinckherhoff and URS.

The organization will also grant Special Recognition awards to PWC members and supporters Andy Frankl, president and CEO of IBEX Construction, and Christine Flaherty, Business Development Manager for STV Construction, Inc.

For more information or to make reservations, call 212.486.7745 or visit the website, www.pwcusa.org.