WTC rebuilding moves towards final resolution.

Two years after the terrorist attacks, the rebuilding of the new World Trade Center is moving forward on schedule, giving hope and a sense of rebirth to New Yorkers and the world.

Soon after the World Trade Center attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Gov. George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg created the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to oversee the rebuilding and memorializing of the site and the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan.

This year, an overall WTC design was selected, a general site plan and environmental impact study has begun, as well as the restoration of transportation links. In addition, several redevelopment projects have been completed, or will soon begin, in Lower Manhattan.

More than $20 billion will be spent by the government and private investors during the 10-year project.

"The Lower Manhattan you see today is markedly different than the one you might remember on September 11," said Kevin Rampe, president of the LMDC. "Indeed, the signs of renewal are everywhere. Under the leadership of Governor Pataki, we have embarked on an aggressive campaign to improve the quality-of-life downtown."

One of the biggest milestones that propelled the project forward was the selection of the WTC design in February. The LMDC selected Daniel Libeskind's design, that includes a 1,776 Freedom Tower, from amongst more than 400 submissions.

"The inspirational design by Studio Daniel Libeskind leaves portions of the slurry wall exposed as a symbol of the strength and endurance of American democracy, while reserving a majestic setting for the memorial and museum in the area known as the bathtub," Rampe said.

"A 1,776 tall spire creates a powerful new skyline for Lower Manhattan, while the bustling activity down below reaffirms life in the aftermath of tragedy"

"The Libeskind plan will transform the world trade center site into a place where loss is remembered and life is celebrated," Rampe said. "It provides a four and half acre space for a fitting memorial to those we lost--a memorial that will be selected by an independent jury this fall."

In July, more than 5,000 entrants submitted memorial designs to LMDC, making it the largest design competition in world history.

Meanwhile several projects have been completed, or are slated for completion, by the end of the year.

"The World Trade Center Greenmarket has returned for the first time since September 11," Rampe said. "In November, you will be able to cross the West Side High way at Vesey Street using a new pedestrian bridge, now under construction. And thanks to the hard work of the Port Authority the PATH train will resume service in time for Thanksgiving. The long-term outlook for lower Manhattan couldn't be brighter."

The completion of the temporary PATH terminal by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, will also mark a momentous event.

"It will be the first public space at ground zero, and the first time the public will able to return to the World Trade Center site since the attacks," said Greg Trevor, spokesman for the Port Authority. "The reopening of the temporary PATH station will be significant for Lower Manhattan and to the region, as well as the economic development of Lower Manhattan."

Economic development of the WTC is where Larry Silverstein, the leaseholder of the WTC, will be instrumental.

"On 9/11, we lost 30 % of our Class A office space on and off the WTC site," Silverstein said. "Our redevelopment plan does not replace even all of the space that was lost. But we're going to make things even better, and help create a major, dynamic new area."

Silverstein's architects will work together with Libeskind to rebuild the site.

"In April, Governor Pataki set an aggressive timetable for construction of the train station and the first office building, Freedom Tower, which has energized the process. Our architect, David Childs, is collaborating with Libeskind on the design of the Freedom Tower," he said.

"And Tishman Construction is actively planning the actual construction."

In the summer of 2004, the cornerstone of the Freedom Tower will be laid, with the tower to be topped off in 2006, said Joanna Rose, spokesperson for LMDC.

World Trade Center 7 will be the first building completed in 2005. Next month, 70 tons of steel will be delivered to erect the project.

"I am already rebuilding 7 World Trade, the third building to go down on 9/11," Silverstein said. "The vaults that will hold the Con Ed substation destroyed on 9/11 are almost finished, and in the next couple of months, the steel structure for the office building will start to rise above it.

"The building will be 400,000 SF, smaller than the original building, and make room for a park and for restoring the street grid, which everyone thought was important."

To help bring commuters downtown, another worldrenowned architect, Santiago Calatrava, as well as other architects yet to be announced, have been chosen by the Port Authority this year to design the downtown terminal that is to rival Grand Central Station.

"Remaining negotiations with will be concluded very soon," said Greg Trevor, Port Authority spokesperson. "We are very enthusiastic to be working with these individuals and Mr. Libeskind and the entire team, who will work together in the rebirth of the World Trade Center."

The timeline for completion for the WTC is several years away, but with each passing year, projects will be completed that will help to recreate a Lower Manhattan that was, unfortunately, in economic decline well before the attacks.

There is so much more to come--and Lower Manhattan will emerge from the attacks not as it was, but even better than it was before," Rampe said.

Silverstein also sees a better tomorrow for Lower Manhattan.

"In the end, a total investment of $15 billion will make the area around the WTC a great 24/7 live/work/play neighborhood," he said. "You're already seeing tremendous residential development downtown in anticipation of what's starting to happen."