NYguy
June 29th, 2003, 05:25 AM
Daily News...
An in-spired shift at WTC
Developer wants architect's skyscraper relocated
By MAGGIE HABERMAN
Developer Larry Silverstein wants to move the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower envisioned for Ground Zero to a different corner of the site, sources told the Daily News.
According to architect Daniel Libeskind's plans, the skyscraping spire is supposed to be built at the northwest part of the 16-acre site, near the corner of West and Vesey Sts.
But Silverstein's architect, David Childs, has drawn plans moving the tower east, close to Church St. and north of the new PATH terminal site, sources said.
Silverstein, who holds a 99-year lease on the property from the Port Authority, could not be reached for comment.
Silverstein's pitch to shift the plan's landscape comes as fighting among players involved in the rebuilding has reached a heated pitch, four months after officials unveiled the new site design.
"No one is agreeing on anything," one source said.
The debate has raised questions about how quickly the project can move forward. Gov. Pataki, who has the most influence over what is ultimately built, has put it on a fast track.
The PA has said Libeskind's role is to identify locations of key projects, such as the tower, although they've made clear he won't design them all. Sources said that it's unlikely Silverstein will be successful in getting the tower moved, but called it an example of the battles that have plagued the process.
Others have said they would like any proposed modifications made public.
"No one knows what goes on behind closed doors," said Jack Lynch, who lost his firefighter son, Michael, in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center.
"With any project of this magnitude, there are bound to be issues to be worked out," said Lower Manhattan Development Corp. chief operating officer Matthew Higgins. "However, we have met every single deadline Gov. Pataki has set for us, and we will continue to do so."
Nearly every stakeholder has taken issue with some aspect of the plan, while Libeskind has pushed for control over the design of key projects.
Silverstein has been battling with Libeskind over the Freedom Tower design, and the number of office buildings.
The PA has also been at odds with Libeskind over what role he will have in the PATH terminal.
An in-spired shift at WTC
Developer wants architect's skyscraper relocated
By MAGGIE HABERMAN
Developer Larry Silverstein wants to move the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower envisioned for Ground Zero to a different corner of the site, sources told the Daily News.
According to architect Daniel Libeskind's plans, the skyscraping spire is supposed to be built at the northwest part of the 16-acre site, near the corner of West and Vesey Sts.
But Silverstein's architect, David Childs, has drawn plans moving the tower east, close to Church St. and north of the new PATH terminal site, sources said.
Silverstein, who holds a 99-year lease on the property from the Port Authority, could not be reached for comment.
Silverstein's pitch to shift the plan's landscape comes as fighting among players involved in the rebuilding has reached a heated pitch, four months after officials unveiled the new site design.
"No one is agreeing on anything," one source said.
The debate has raised questions about how quickly the project can move forward. Gov. Pataki, who has the most influence over what is ultimately built, has put it on a fast track.
The PA has said Libeskind's role is to identify locations of key projects, such as the tower, although they've made clear he won't design them all. Sources said that it's unlikely Silverstein will be successful in getting the tower moved, but called it an example of the battles that have plagued the process.
Others have said they would like any proposed modifications made public.
"No one knows what goes on behind closed doors," said Jack Lynch, who lost his firefighter son, Michael, in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center.
"With any project of this magnitude, there are bound to be issues to be worked out," said Lower Manhattan Development Corp. chief operating officer Matthew Higgins. "However, we have met every single deadline Gov. Pataki has set for us, and we will continue to do so."
Nearly every stakeholder has taken issue with some aspect of the plan, while Libeskind has pushed for control over the design of key projects.
Silverstein has been battling with Libeskind over the Freedom Tower design, and the number of office buildings.
The PA has also been at odds with Libeskind over what role he will have in the PATH terminal.