February 13th - February 19th, 2004

Construction Continues on 7 WTC

Monday, Feb. 16: The latest computer-generated representation of the 7 WTC tower reveals a state-of-the-art limestone and marble lobby adorned with stainless steel columns, according to the New YorkPost. The model, created by architects for Larry Silverstein, also depicts a park with flowering trees and a fountain located at the intersection of Greenwich and West Broadway, noted the Post.

Additionally, the model is reported to show high-tech turnstiles in the building's lobby designed to direct visitors to appropriate elevator cars and an installation by renowned American artist Jenny Holzer comprised of quotations about New York City from a variety literary figures.

Located across Vesey Street from the WTC complex, 7 WTC became the first building at Ground Zero to undergo construction when ground was broken in late 2002.The 52-story tower is scheduled to be competed in 2005, with a Con Edison electrical substation beginning operation on the facility's lower 10 floors this summer, the Post added.   

Public Hearings on Environmental Impact Statement for Ground Zero Conclude

Wednesday, Feb. 18: Two public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center concluded on Wednesday. 

More than 100 people -- including business owners, community groups, and area residents -- attended the event at Pace University to voice their concerns on the statement, reported the New York Times. For New Yorkers, the day represented the first and only scheduled opportunity to participate in public hearings regarding the document, which was released by the LMDC on January 23. 

While environmental impact statements are standard practice in New York, the 2,000-page draft statement for Ground Zero is unique due to the size and scope of the project it takes into account, and because it must consider the impact of several building that have not yet been designed. Though the hearings are over, the public comment period continues until March 15. At that point, any necessary revisions will be made and the statement will be presented to the LMDC for final approval, probably in April, said the Times.

To view the draft statement on the LMDC's website, click here.

New Manhattan Bridge Subway Service

Thursday, Feb. 19: Regular daily service of the B, D, and N subway lines will resume over the Manhattan Bridge on Sunday, February 22. Service on the Q (local) line, which is already operating over the bridge, will continue without change. Service along the M, W, and Q (express) lines will be rerouted to no longer run across the bridge. For complete coverage, click here.

LMDC Launches Website to Showcase 5,201 WTC Memorial Design Submissions

Thursday, Feb. 19:  The LMDC launched an online exhibit where all 5,201 submissions received for the international WTC Memorial Competition -- the largest design competition in history -- are available to the public for viewing. The exhibit is hosted at www.WTCSiteMemorial.org. Visitors can browse each design on the website by searching for the name of the submitter, the entry number, or the nation or state where the submitter resides.  

"The overwhelming response to the Memorial Competition was extraordinary and a true testament to the global impact of the attacks and the world's unwavering commitment to honor the thousands of innocent victims. We are pleased to launch a virtual exhibition that allows each individual idea submitted to be acknowledged and viewed by visitors around the world," said LMDC President Kevin M. Rampe.

Teams from 63 nations and 49 states participated in the memorial design competition launched last April. A 13-member jury evaluated each of the 5,201 submissions before ultimately selecting Michael Arad and Peter Walker's "Reflecting Absence" as the final design. To view their design, as well as the rest of the entries, click here.