Governor George E. Pataki, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, World Trade Center developer Larry A. Silverstein and architect David Childs unveiled the revised design for the Freedom Tower June 29, 2005. The tower will soar to 1,776 feet.

The revised Freedom Tower is “a better, safer, and prouder symbol of freedom for our skyline,” said Governor Pataki. He added, “the Freedom Tower will not only be a tremendous icon, it will also be an economic engine generating thousands of jobs for New Yorkers.” The revised tower design has an extraordinary level of life safety features and will include other elements that will make it unprecedented in terms of life safety and security. In addition, the Freedom Tower will further its distinction as a world-class model of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“This spectacular addition to our skyline will be a commanding architectural symbol while addressing the security concerns we face in today’s world,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

The tower will contain office space, tenant amenity spaces, world-class restaurants, and an observation deck and glass parapet, whose elevations of 1,362 feet and 1,368 feet mirror the heights of the original Twin Towers. Also, the Freedom Tower’s footprint measures 200 feet by 200 feet making it the same size as the footprints of the original towers. Underground retail and access to the PATH and subway trains are also included.

Construction of footings for the Freedom Tower is expected to begin in early 2006. It is projected that steel for the building will be visible above grade in 2007, with a topping out in 2009. The building is projected to be ready for occupancy in 2010.

An economic report by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation indicates that rebuilding the World Trade Center, which includes the Freedom Tower, will generate $15 billion in total economic output in New York City and an average of 8,000 jobs each year for thirteen years.

More information about the World Trade Center rebuilding is located at the “Recovery to Renewal” exhibit in the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. Additional information and images can be found at www.RenewNYC.com .

Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg detailed a comprehensive plan aimed at yielding dramatic and long-lasting results for all of Lower Manhattan. The newly allocated $800 million in federal funds is part of the over $2 billion provided to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to rebuild and revitalize Lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

“These funds will go a long way toward improving the daily life of downtown residents, workers, and visitors,” said Governor Pataki. “Most importantly, this plan supports the construction of the memorial which will offer a profound experience to millions of family members and visitors.” The allocation plan provides $300 million for the creation of the memorial, the centerpiece of the rebuilding process, and cultural facilities. Some of the other allocated amounts include:

• $150 million for the East River Waterfront project
• $70 million or the Tribeca section of the Hudson River Park
• $38 million to revitalize Fulton Street
• $40 million for the creation of a new Greenwich Street South neighborhood
• $20 million for an East Side elementary school
• $45 million for off-site cultural facilities
• $20 million for parks and playgrounds
• $45 million for community enhancements
• $50 million to create, preserve and revitalize 3,000 units of affordable housing
• $32 million to improve Chinatown access and circulation and Chinatown’s first local development corp.

“We are making investments in three key areas: improving transportation, creating new open spaces, and nurturing new neighborhoods here in New York’s historic birthplace,” said Mayor Bloomberg. The plan “shows the renewal of Lower Manhattan is moving ahead.”

The LMDC released the initial priorities and options for its remaining funds on April 13, 2005. The revised framework released in May was amended based on further public input.

The allocation plan was guided by three years of public put, including over 75 public meetings and tens-of-thousands of public comments.

“This plan reflects the public priorities that have arisen over three years of community input and discussion. This cogent and potent plan will fulfill our collective goals for a world-class business district and vibrant residential neighborhood,” explained LMDC President Stefan Pryor. For more information on LMDC initiatives please visit www.RenewNYC.com

The East River Waterfront Esplanade is receiving $150 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to create a spectacular waterfront esplanade, to complete the Manhattan greenway, and to reconnect the communities of Lower Manhattan to the East River Waterfront.

Historically, Lower Manhattan’s waterfront area has been the leading shipping capital in the nation. Yet, the waterfront has altered dramatically in Manhattan from industrial use to recreational use. Governor George E. Pataki explained that reclaiming the waterfront has been a key part of the rebuilding process.

The river’s edge from Battery Park to East River Park will morph from inaccessible shores to the lungs of the city. “Chain-link fences and concrete barriers will be replaced by cultural facilities, unique recreational spaces, and community amenities,” said LMDC President Stefan Pryor. Like Central Park, it will be a retreat where people who live, work, and visit Lower Manhattan can escape the glare and glitter of the city to enjoy physical recreation and a sense of community.

As multifaceted as the communities that it serves, the design jointly submitted by Richard Rogers Partnership and SHoP Architects and funded by the LMDC will reflect the local character of each area. The plantings for Pike Street will reflect the local character of each district the street passes through.

Turning garbage to gold, the current sanitation pier will be transformed into a publicly accessible open space on the water with seating for pedestrians. New claddings and enhanced lighting are just a few of the changes which will be found beneath the FDR and in Lower Manhattan’s vicinity.

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation is in the planning stages for an interpretive museum dedicated to the events of February 26, 1993, and September 11, 2001. This museum, to be located on the World Trade Center site, will memorialize and honor those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center site, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa. The museum will educate, inform, and inspire visitors by telling the individual stories of the victims and the contributions of all toward the rescue, recovery, and relief efforts. With over 100,000 square feet of space, the museum will provide for artifacts, a timeline of the events of the day, personal stories, educational programs, and changing exhibitions. The LMDC is currently working on a conceptual design and program for the museum with the assistance of architects Davis Brody Bond of New York and Snohetta of Norway, exhibit design consultant Howard+Revis Design Services, Inc., and museum strategic planning consultant LORD Cultural Resources Planning & Management Inc. in conjunction with the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation.

The recently launched website www.LowerManhattan.Info/Construction provides up-to-date news and information about on-going construction in Lower Manhattan. This first-of-its-kind site provides daily updates with a central focus on issues critical to the local community such as site safety, street closings, and environmental concerns.

A one-stop-shop, the site offers real-time construction updates and an interactive map with information on every project below Canal Street. Users can catch a glimpse of Lower Manhattan’s future with visualizations of important developments on topics including: Rebuilding Spotlight, Project Updates, Getting Around, Doing Business, Residents’ Corner, and Looking Ahead. Visitors to the website can also find out whom to contact with concerns about current construction activity.

LowerManhattan.Info/Construction is part of the Public Information Campaign led by the City of New York in partnership with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, New York State and the federal government, and is funded by a grant from the LMDC.

Members of the September 11th Community now have a place to share their stories with the opening of the StoryCorps recording booth on July 12, 2005, while tours given by Tribute Center volunteers will offer visitors to the site the opportunity to learn about the World Trade Center attacks from members of the community who experienced them. These two interim memorials announced by Governor George E. Pataki on June 16, 2005 will complement the permanent World Trade Center Memorial upon its completion slated for 2009.

“Both the Tribute Center and StoryCorps will help ensure that families and survivors have a way to remember their loved ones while the Memorial is under construction,” Governor Pataki said.

The StoryCorps booth will serve as place of remembrance for September 11th family members, friends, survivors, rescue workers, and visitors to the World Trade Center site. The booth will provide a peaceful, safe place to capture the stories of September 11, 2001 and for families to honor the lives of loved ones lost on that day.

Norene Schneider, who lost her brother Tommy Sullivan on September 11th, said, “I am hopeful that through the telling of our stories, the families who lost a loved one will not only grow close together, but also help each other heal.”

The Tribute Center, a project of the September 11th Widows and Victims Families’ Association, will provide a source of information, reflection, and healing. Located directly across from the World Trade Center site at 120 Liberty Street, the Center includes plans for a gallery, exhibits, educational programs, and walking tours around the site.

Before opening its permanent space next spring, the Tribute Center will begin offering daily public tours through its Docent Program in September 2005. Covering various points around the perimeter of the World Trade Center site, these tours will be led by volunteers from the September 11th community – family members, survivors of the attacks, Lower Manhattan residents and workers, and rescue workers. While allowing visitors to the site to hear firsthand accounts of those directly affected by the attacks on February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon, Shanksville, Pa., and the World Trade Center site, the Docent Program will offer further healing to its volunteers.

LMDC has provided $500,000 in funding to StoryCorps and up to $3 million to the Tribute Center. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is hosting the StoryCorps booth in the temporary PATH station. Additional information on StoryCorps is available at www.storycorps.net and additional information on the Tribute Center is available at www.tributenyc.org.

TEMPORARY MONUMENT FOR 1993 WTC BOMBING VICTIMS
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey dedicated a temporary memorial on February 26, 2005 to pay tribute to the victims of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. The dedication included a mass at St. Peter’s Church and a moment of silence at 12:18 p.m., the exact time of the bombing.

In 1993, six people died and more than 1,000 people were injured as a result of terrorists detonating a massive truck bomb in a parking garage beneath the WTC. Thereafter a granite fountain was installed to memorialize the tragedy.

When the towers collapsed on September 11, 2001 the memorial fountain was virtually destroyed. Yet, amongst the rubble the name “John D,” a part of the original memorial, was found by the rescue and recovery team. This became the foundation for the temporary memorial. The design, a 9-foot, stainless steel pylon that evokes memory of the twin towers, will remain erected until the permanent memorial, Reflecting Absence, is opened at the WTC site. The permanent memorial will honor both the victims of the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION
On Monday, June 20, 2005 the LMDC held a Public Information Open House at Pace University’s student union on the 130 Liberty Deconstruction Project. Individuals were able to interact directly with project personnel and gather firsthand information about the deconstruction. Representatives from agencies involved in the deconstruction project, city agencies, and community organizations that provide general information to support community health and safety were on hand to answer questions and to provide informational materials.

For more information about the Deconstruction of 130 Liberty and to sign up for E-Updates on the project, visit www.RenewNYC.com

EXHIBIT FOCUSES ON THE REBUILDING
While in Lower Manhattan, visitors can view LMDC’s exhibit “From Recovery to Renewal” housed in the Winter Garden of the World Financial Center, located west of the World Trade Center site. The exhibit explores the history of the WTC site, the public process by which the master plan for the WTC site and the memorial design Reflecting Absence were chosen. The recently unveiled model of the World Trade Center Cultural Center is also displayed. The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Groups are welcome to visit the exhibit and are allowed to photograph and film, but use of a tripod requires a building permit.

BATTERY BOSQUE GARDENS
On Thursday, June 2, 2005 the ribbon was cut at the new 57,000 square foot, 100,000 plant and flower-festooned Battery Bosque Gardens. The Battery Bosque Gardens is a four-acre “park within a park” conceived by world-renowned Dutch designer Piet Oudolf, in collaboration with landscape architects Saratoga Associates. The LMDC gave an $8.5 million grant to restore and renovate the Battery Park Gardens. The project included the repair of cracked asphalt and broken cobblestone; replacement of old and broken benches and picnic tables with new custom-designed furniture; and the creation of new, stabilized crush stone paths and ground surfaces.

The Bosque also features the new Spiral Fountain that contains 35 in-ground interactive illuminated jets, laid out in a spiral pattern on a stone circle.

Chinese slippers exploded onto the runway two seasons ago, but Asian culture is so now in Chinatown. While Feng Shui books and Asian Pottery are big ticket department store items, jump into the heart of Chinatown for some real unique finds.

Just like its visitors, each of the streets in Chinatown possesses its own distinctive personality. Whether characterized by their stores and restaurants or their unique size and shape, the streets of Chinatown provide a fascinating cultural experience. While Grand and Mott Streets are stockyards for Asian spices and vegetables, Canal Street is renowned for its jewelry stores and shopping bargains.

“Chinatown’s streets have always been maze-like, now with the kiosk located on the triangle between Canal, Walker and Baxter Streets it is easier for the visitor to navigate and explore Chinatown’s treasure,” said John K. Leo, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation Community Liaison for Chinatown. The new informational kiosk funded by LMDC and the September 11th Fund working with NYC & Company is here to orient you and be your guide. There the traveler can pick up some information on the immigrant history of Chinatown, and current happenings.

Excited about Asian culture and dreaming of braving the Pacific Ocean to see the Lion Dance? Well, the trip just got a little shorter. Every Thursday night this summer on Bayard Street (between Mott and Mulberry) the lions will roar. Between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. a “lion wrangler” and two musicians with drums and cymbals will lead two colorful lions on their merry dance. The public will be invited to “feed the lions” as well, something the kids will enjoy!

Perhaps it is the Dim sum to die for that gets those lions roaring. If you get to Chinatown early, partake in the midday meal experience that is as much about how the food is served as about the food itself. Steam trolleys filled with several different choices are continuously wheeled out from the kitchen and pass by each table. Customers choose the dishes they want, and the server marks the price on a running tab kept on each table. These restaurants are boisterous so a tea house may be preferable to those looking for a serene atmosphere.

“I encourage everyone to come experience Chinatown,” urged John Leo. “There is something exciting for everyone.”

For more information on Chinatown, please visit www.ExploreChinatown.com.

The Eldridge Street Project

In 1986 The Eldridge Street Project was launched by local residents, urban historians, and preservationists, in order to rescue a building that has always been a symbol of freedom.

“It’s really an American story,” said Amy Milford, Deputy Director for Public and Community Relations at the Eldridge Street Project. Built in 1887 as an edification of liberty, The Eldridge Street synagogue was designed with seventy-foot high ceilings and grand rose Jewish starred windows, in proclamation of the religious freedom the immigrant group found in America.

It was erected with light, height, and grandeur in opposition to the types of places they lived in. “People tell stories, but also buildings tell stories,” explained Amy Milford. While the building’s foundation had new mechanical systems installed, remnants of the original gas jet lighting have been left exposed so that visitors will be able to understand the history in a very physical way.

This summer, the building for the first time becomes fully handicapped accessible. There will soon be a working elevator running in the building. Additionally, some facade work is being done. The renovation process is expected to continue until 2007.

With 20,000 annual visitors, The Eldridge Street Project prides itself on being non-sectarian and not-for-profit. It houses programs to explore architecture and historic preservation and keeps alive the memory of Jewish immigrant life. Yet, its mission is to relate the building to contemporary immigrant groups.

Cultural events such as Sessions at the Shul, Art Sanctuary, and Egg Rolls and Egg Creams Block Party illustrate the immigrant tale throughout differing traditions. Multiculturalism is emphasized in many of the events hosted by the Eldridge Street Project that draw over a thousand visitors from the local neighborhood and around the city. Shul demonstrates how a singular instrument can be utilized to express different ethnic mores. The Egg Rolls and Egg Creams Block Party allows the visitors to experience the traditions of the Synagogue’s founders, as well as the customs and crafts of the Chinese immigrants in the neighborhood today.

The Eldridge Street Project is part of the Museums of Lower Manhattan, a collective of 15 neighboring museums and historic sites located south of Houston Street in Lower Manhattan.

For more information on the Museums of Lower Manhattan, visit www.MuseumsofLowerManhattan.org.