World Trade Center site

World Trade Center site
Company type	Redevelopment site
Industry	Real estate, construction
Founded	1970s (original complex)
Founder	Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Fate	Destroyed in September 11 attacks (2001); undergoing redevelopment
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Area served	Lower Manhattan, New York City
Key people	Larry Silverstein (leaseholder), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Studio Daniel Libeskind (master planner)
Products	Office buildings, retail space
Owner	Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (majority), Larry Silverstein (leaseholder for some buildings)

The World Trade Center site, commonly referred to as "Ground Zero" or "the Pile" following the September 11 attacks, encompasses a 14.6-acre (5.9 ha) tract located in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Its boundaries are defined by Vesey Street to the north, the West Side Highway on the west side, Liberty Street to the south, and Church Street along the east. The majority of this land is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), with the exception of 7 World Trade Center. The original complex occupied this site until its destruction on September 11, 2001.

The rebuilding process has been overseen by the Port Authority, Silverstein Properties, and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), guided by a master plan designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind. Developer Larry Silverstein holds leases for retail and office spaces in four of the buildings on the premises, playing a pivotal role in the site's commercial revitalization.

Before the World Trade Center

Originally, much of what is now the western portion of the World Trade Center site lay beneath the Hudson River, with the shoreline positioned near Greenwich Street. Near Greenwich and where Dey Street once intersected, Dutch explorer Adriaen Block’s vessel, the Tyger, was destroyed by fire in November 1613, leaving his crew stranded and necessitating their overwintering on Manhattan Island. The ship’s remains were later buried beneath landfill during shoreline expansion that began in 1797 and were uncovered during excavations in 1916. Additionally, in 2010, another vessel from the eighteenth century—likely a Hudson River sloop—was discovered just south of where the Twin Towers once stood, approximately below ground level.

Prior to the original World Trade Center’s construction, this area was home to a cluster of electronics retailers collectively known as Radio Row. These establishments were cleared away during the 1960s to make room for the new complex.

Original buildings

Upon their completion, the iconic "Twin Towers"—1 World Trade Center (North Tower) at and 2 World Trade Center (South Tower)—held the distinction of being the tallest buildings worldwide. The complex also comprised the Marriott World Trade Center (3 WTC), along with 4 WTC, 5 WTC, 6 WTC, and 7 WTC. Constructed from 1972 through 1987 at a cost of $400 million (equivalent to $ in current dollars), this development was situated within Manhattan’s Financial District and provided approximately of office space.

The site experienced several major security events: a fire on February 13, 1975; a bombing on February 26, 1993; and a robbery on January 14, 1998. In July 1998, management shifted toward privatization when the Port Authority leased the property to Silverstein Properties on July 24, 2001.

September 11 attacks

On September 11, 2001, terrorists affiliated with Al-Qaeda hijacked two flights—American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, both en route from Boston to Los Angeles—and deliberately crashed them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Both towers collapsed within approximately two hours following impact. The attacks resulted in 2,606 fatalities, including civilians, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and hijackers. The location subsequently became widely known as "Ground Zero."

Debris and clean-up

The collapse of the towers released vast clouds of dust throughout New York City and generated hundreds of thousands of tons of rubble. To coordinate the search and cleanup operations, the New York City Fire Department segmented the site into four zones, each overseen by a chief officer. The majority of debris was hauled to the Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, which raised concerns about the unintentional disposal of human remains.

A large workforce of immigrant laborers, including many undocumented individuals, was hired by contractors to remove debris and perform site cleanup. These workers often operated under dangerous conditions without sufficient protective equipment or health benefits, resulting in numerous serious health complications. Despite their essential contributions, official memorials have seldom acknowledged their efforts.

According to NIST findings, debris from the North Tower’s collapse triggered fires within 7 World Trade Center, ultimately leading to its progressive failure.

In the aftermath, nearby buildings were draped with red mesh to mitigate further damage. Remaining sections of Building 4 were taken down in November 2001.

A temporary observation platform was established at Fulton Street in December 2001. That same month saw the removal of the last perimeter columns from the North Tower and the remaining structures of Building 6. The cleanup phase was completed by May 2002, coming in under budget and without major injuries. The Winter Garden Atrium was reopened on September 17, 2002, marking the first significant restoration milestone.

Beginning March 11, 2002, eighty-eight searchlights created the Tribute in Light, initially illuminated every night until April and subsequently annually on September 11.

By February 2005, the formal identification process for human remains at the site concluded.

In August 2008, firefighters from New York City presented a World Trade Center steel cross to the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company near the crash location of United Airlines Flight 93, symbolizing unity and remembrance.

The adjacent Deutsche Bank Building, which suffered extensive damage from falling debris and contamination by toxic dust, was declared beyond repair by Deutsche Bank and demolished by January 2011.

Archaeology

In July 2010, archaeologists discovered an approximately -long vessel dating back over two centuries, likely from the 18th century. It had been buried alongside wooden beams and rubble around 1810 as part of land reclamation efforts. The boat was deliberately weighted down to sink as a foundation for a pier. Samples of the wood were collected for dendrochronological analysis.

Ownership status

Although the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is commonly regarded as owning the WTC site, ownership became complicated after 9/11. While PANYNJ held title to much of the area, it acknowledged uncertainties regarding ownership of roughly where former streets had existed before WTC construction. Subsequent agreements transferred portions of land—including beneath 2 and 3 World Trade Center—to leaseholder Larry Silverstein in 2008.

Planning for the new World Trade Center

Soon after the attacks, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Governor George Pataki, and President George W. Bush pledged to reconstruct the World Trade Center complex. Giuliani declared, "We will rebuild... The skyline will be made whole again." President Bush affirmed before Congress that rebuilding would stand as a testament to America's determination.

Larry Silverstein, as leaseholder, stressed that failure to rebuild would amount to a victory for terrorists. By 2011 only 7 World Trade Center had been completed; by June 2018, the site included 7 World Trade Center, One World Trade Center, 4 World Trade Center, and 3 World Trade Center. Unlike the original towers which rose in less than three years, redevelopment encountered significant political and logistical hurdles. The rebuilding initiative is widely viewed as a successful public-private partnership and serves as an example of effective negotiation practices.

Lower Manhattan Development Corporation

In November 2001, Governor Pataki created the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) to guide the reconstruction efforts. The LMDC serves as the coordinating body for federal aid and works closely with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), leaseholder Larry Silverstein, and master planner Studio Daniel Libeskind. It also facilitates communication among local residents, businesses, New York City officials, and families affected by the September 11 attacks. The LMDC is overseen by a 16-member board, equally appointed by the governor and the mayor.

Despite the complex legal landscape due to the Port Authority's ownership of much of the site and Silverstein’s lease from July 2001, the LMDC asserted its role in Lower Manhattan’s revitalization by April 2002.

Immediate post-attack period

In the months following September 11, numerous forums brought together architects and urban planners to brainstorm rebuilding concepts. In January 2002, art dealer Max Protetch showcased 50 proposals from various artists and architects at his Chelsea gallery.

By April 2002, the LMDC initially solicited redesign plans from 24 architecture firms based in Manhattan but soon retracted this request. The following month, Beyer Blinder Belle was appointed as the site’s planning consultant. On July 16, 2002, Beyer Blinder Belle presented six redesign options; however, feedback collected from around 5,000 New Yorkers indicated strong dissatisfaction with all proposals. As a result, the LMDC launched an international open-call design competition aimed at discovering more suitable redevelopment strategies for the World Trade Center site.

2002 World Trade Center site design competition

In August 2002, the LMDC announced a design competition for the World Trade Center redevelopment. Together with the New York New Visions coalition, seven architectural firms were invited to compete for master planning responsibilities: Foster and Partners, Studio Daniel Libeskind, Meier Eisenman Gwathmey Holl (also known as The New York Five), Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, THINK Team, United Architects, and Peterson Littenberg.

The semifinalists publicly revealed their designs in December 2002. Shortly thereafter, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill withdrew from the competition. Before finalists were declared in February 2003, Larry Silverstein—holder of the Twin Towers’ insurance—claimed exclusive authority over decisions regarding site development and had already selected Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as master planner.

On February 1, 2003, the LMDC announced THINK Team and Studio Daniel Libeskind as finalists. Although THINK’s design initially received LMDC preference, Governor Pataki intervened in favor of Libeskind’s proposal. On February 27, Studio Daniel Libeskind was officially appointed as master planner.

Libeskind’s "Memory Foundations" concept underwent significant modifications through negotiations with Silverstein and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. While various architects designed individual buildings and some original elements were altered or discarded, Libeskind’s plan firmly established that the original footprints of the Twin Towers would be preserved as a memorial rather than used for commercial development.

This decision triggered a prolonged and highly complex negotiation process—regarded as one of the most intricate real estate deals in history—in which Silverstein agreed to surrender rights to the tower footprints for memorial purposes in exchange for development rights on five adjacent office towers.

Criticism of progress

A 2010 segment on CBS's 60 Minutes drew attention to the sluggish advancement at Ground Zero, highlighting missed deadlines for the majority of buildings, numerous redesigns of One World Trade Center (previously called the Freedom Tower), and growing delays alongside rising expenses. Investor Larry Silverstein pointed out that the Port Authority's estimated completion date extended to 2037, with billions already invested despite much of the site remaining undeveloped. Silverstein conveyed his frustration, stressing his wish to witness the project's completion during his lifetime. Nevertheless, by early 2011, construction had commenced on all five World Trade Center office towers.

The original World Trade Center was known for its vibrant social scene, including the 107th-floor restaurant Windows on the World and its adjoining bar, both key destinations for tourists and business meetings. The restaurant also hosted the esteemed "Windows on the World Wine School," led by wine connoisseur Kevin Zraly. Although there were assurances to reconstruct these iconic venues, the Port Authority eventually abandoned plans to restore them, leading to criticism from various observers and stakeholders.

New structures

, the site currently features:

Towers

One World Trade Center (initially called the "Freedom Tower") stands as the focal point of Libeskind's vision, reaching a height of , equal to that of the original North Tower, with an antenna extending to 1,776 feet (541 m), symbolizing the year of American independence. The design was a joint effort between Studio Daniel Libeskind and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill architect David Childs, who acted as design architect and project manager. After security concerns raised by NYPD caused a two-year delay, the final design was revised in 2004. In 2006, control shifted from Silverstein Properties to the Port Authority, with Tishman Construction Corporation appointed as construction manager. Work began in April 2006 amid challenges posed by nearby subway infrastructure and steadily advanced until structural completion in May 2013. The building officially opened on November 3, 2014, with Conde Nast as its primary tenant.

Two World Trade Center (200 Greenwich Street), designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, incorporates gardens linking Tribeca and the Financial District. By mid-2013, construction had reached street level; however, further progress depends on securing tenants.

Three World Trade Center (175 Greenwich Street), designed by Richard Rogers Partnership, is situated across from the Memorial pools. Although ground was broken in 2008, above-ground work was delayed due to tenant shortages and financial issues. After anchoring Group M as a tenant in late 2013 and resolving financing with the Port Authority in June 2014, construction resumed and the building opened on June 11, 2018.

Designed by Maki and Associates, Four World Trade Center (150 Greenwich Street) began construction in 2008; its steel framework was largely finished by 2012. Opening in November 2013, it was the first tower under Port Authority ownership to reopen. Early occupants included government agencies; by July 2015, occupancy had reached 62%.

Five World Trade Center, planned for the former Deutsche Bank Building site and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, saw initial plans announced in 2007 when JP Morgan Chase intended to lease it for its investment banking headquarters. However, after acquiring Bear Stearns in 2008 and relocating its headquarters, construction stalled despite foundation work starting in September 2011.

Located outside Port Authority property, 7 World Trade Center was designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Construction began in 2002 and it opened on May 23, 2006. It was the first tower in the complex to reopen and earned LEED Gold certification. The structure has 52 floors above ground plus one subterranean level and ranks as New York’s 28th-tallest skyscraper.

Memorial and museum

The memorial's construction was finalized by early 2011, with its official opening on September 11, 2011, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the attacks. The museum was originally planned to open one year later, on September 11, 2012. However, work was suspended in December 2011 due to financial disagreements between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Foundation concerning infrastructure expenses. After these issues were settled, construction recommenced on September 10, 2012. Additional setbacks occurred when Hurricane Sandy caused damage to the site in November 2012. The museum was ultimately completed and opened its doors to victims' families on May 15, 2014, followed by a public opening on May 21, 2014.

Retail space

In December 2013, the Australian retail company Westfield announced an investment of US$800 million to obtain full ownership of the retail area within the reconstructed complex. This acquisition involved purchasing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's 50% share in the retail segment, increasing Westfield’s total investment to over US$1.4 billion.

Transportation Hub

A temporary PATH station began operation in 2003, with plans for a permanent facility initially targeting a fall 2004 completion. However, concerns from NYPD regarding security necessitated design modifications, including doubling the number of support columns. The original plan scheduled the construction of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum after completing the hub since its roof would support both structures. Due to a two-year delay and pressure to finish the Memorial by the 10th anniversary, priority shifted to completing the Memorial first, which delayed the hub and raised costs. Construction on the Transportation Hub commenced in 2010. It officially opened on March 3, 2016, several years behind schedule and significantly over budget.

Performing Arts Center

Liberty Park and constituent structures

Fiterman Hall

Exclusive ZIP code

Prior to September 11, the World Trade Center site utilized ZIP code 10048, serviced by eight letter carriers responsible for delivering mail to tenants. All postal workers survived the attacks. In the months following, more than 80,000 mail pieces addressed to the World Trade Center arrived daily, including items sent to recipients such as "The Search Dogs" or "The Rescuers." By 2003, around 3,600 items continued to be sent daily to ZIP code 10048. These were processed at Midtown Manhattan’s James A. Farley General Post Office where mail was held for pickup, redirected, returned, or discarded.

After the attacks, the United States Postal Service extended free mail forwarding for former WTC occupants from one year to three years. By late 2006, daily mail volume directed to ZIP code 10048 had decreased to approximately 300 pieces, mostly from businesses that had not updated their mailing information.

The nearby post office at 90 Church Street handles ZIP code 10007 for Tribeca; this ZIP code now includes the new World Trade Center site instead of continuing with 10048. The original ZIP code 10048 was briefly reused after 9/11 for a commemorative cancellation honoring the anniversary of the attacks.

External links

Reviving Ground Zero – an interactive audio-visual presentation by The New York Times

Related organizations:

Project Rebirth (archived July 28, 2005)
World Trade Center Rising
RebuildGroundZero, a grassroots initiative focused on Ground Zero reconstruction (archived March 17, 2009)