Tishman father and son honored by Skyscraper Museum.

The Skyscraper Museum honored father-and-son builders John and Dan Tishmanwith its "2005 Making New York History Award."

Held in the Museum's gallery, where the original 11-foot tall model of the World Trade Center model is on display, the event featured special guests who offered toasts recognizing the Tishmans' unique historical connection to the Trade Center site.

Developer Larry Silverstein began the tributes, recalling his respect for the Tishmans as builders and owners. His close association with John Tishman dates back to 1984 when they collaborated on the construction of the original 7 World Trade Center, which along with the Twin Towers, collapsed on 9/11/01. "When we had to make a decision as to how to go forward with respect to the new site, the first person I reached out to was John's son, Dan." Silverstein spoke at length of the Tishmans' constant "professionalism, integrity, knowledge, and experience."

New School University President and former United States Senator Bob Kerrey also praised the Tishman legacy of construction, noting their important role as great American builders. "I have a special place in my heart for men and women who build, who design, develop, and transform spaces from what they used to be into something grander, something better, something that is habitable by us but also that inspires us," said Kerrey. "They change the nature about the way we feel about this City in many ways."

Leslie E. Roberston, structural engineer of the original World Trade Center towers, and David Childs, architect for 7 WTC and Freedom Tower, offered their own toasts, making note of their long-standing professional and personal relationships with the Tishmans. Robertson spoke of his admiration for John for his organization of steelwork contracts during the building of the World Trade Center.

David Childs remarked, "We've had a wonderful career with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and your firm together, all these multiple generations, and I must say I have, as a designer, learned enormously from you. Normally one has a relationship between client and architect and contractor, but in this case you've been on both sides of that triangle for me, client and builder, and it's been an honor and a great education."

Also in attendance, along with about 150 guests, were New York City Commissioners Amanda Burden of the Department of City Planning, Shaun Donovan of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and Rob Walsh of Small Business Services, as well as Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott. They brought a letter of commendation from Mayor Bloomberg which noted: "Tishman Construction Corporation has played a vital role in New York City's growth and has made important contributions to our world renowned skyline. As the leading team for the future Freedom Tower, they have demonstrated a strong commitment to the continued redevelopment of the lower Manhattan community."

Carol Willis, Director of The Skyscraper Museum, presented the "2005 Making New York History Award," extolling the Tishmans' central role in the history of high-rise construction. "In honoring John Tishman tonight," she said, "we take note that he is the first and only builder in history to head the teams that constructed three 100-plus-story towers--indeed, the first three supertall buildings in history: the 100-story John Hancock Building in Chicago and the 110-story Twin Towers of the World Trade Center."

Founded in 1898 by John's grandfather, Julius, the 107-year-old development and construction firm has been led by John Tishman as chairman for 29 years. Dan Tishman is the fourth generation to head Tishman Realty & Construction Co., Inc. He leads the team for Tishman in the construction of both 7 WTC and the Freedom Tower.