The WTC site in April 2012

The Port Authority presented its quarterly update to Community Board 1 this week, sharing the current construction status of the World Trade Center site. Steel erection is rapidly progressing on each project, and at the Vehicular Security Center (VSC) and WTC Transportation Hub, structural formations are changing the overall appearance of the site as it rises up to grade.

At the VSC, four levels of steel have been installed in the western portion, dubbed Phase 1. Concrete decking is being poured, and in the coming months that portion will tie into Phase 2 on the east side, where crews are beginning to transition from excavation into foundation building. At the center of Phase 2, the circular concrete base of what will be a spiral driveway is visible, on track for the VSC to be operational in 2013.

The oval shape of the Transportation Hubs oculus also is becoming visually defined. Crews there are forming the sub-grade levels of the main hall, which will support the massive steel ribs that architect Santiago Calatrava envisioned in 2004. The iconic ribs will extend into the hubs east-west connector, eventually letting pedestrians travel underground through the WTC site, under West Street, and into the World Financial Center. The hubs full completion is expected in 2015.

Steel erection at 1 WTC continues, though extreme winds have hindered its steady progress. The tower recently reached the 93rd floor, however, the Port Authority considers it the 100th floor since each story above floor 91 varies in height and function; the actual measurement of the tower is now at 1,240 feet (a standard ceiling height for a skyscraper is 13 feet). Ultimately, 1 WTC will top out at 1,368 feet, or 104 stories. A 408-foot-tall telecommunications spire will be installed to bring the towers total height to 1,776 feet.

Silverstein Properties, developer of WTC towers 2, 3 and 4, did not present at the meeting as initially planned. Its projects are continuing, however, with 4 WTC steel now at floor 65 and faade panels up to floor 45. It is expected to open in late 2013.

The crane at 2 WTC was removed this month, with crews continuing structural formwork on its podium (lower-level floors) through this summer. The podium of 3 WTC also is being erected to the 5th floor, and will reach its full seven-story height in late summer 2012.

Port Authority Assistant Director of WTC Construction Quentin Brathwaite did not present updates on the completion of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, nor on the Performing Arts Center, currently planned for the parcel where the temporary PATH entrance is located.

His team offered its support for the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center, which the Port Authority partially funds and may soon relocate into its own 115 Broadway offices.

The LMCCC has a very important role in the construction community, said Glenn Guzi, Port Authority spokesperson. Their important functions are not going away.

The agency also promised to share with CB1 updates as they occur regarding absorbing the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, as announced in late 2011.

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