David W. Dunlap reports on the progress of 1 World Trade Center -- once known as the Freedom Tower -- which is expected to become New York's tallest building today.
Following a difficult political, technical, and emotional path as one of the world's most symbolically fraught buildings, 1 World Trade Center will reach a key milestone in its growth today as the first column of the 100th floor is hoisted atop the building. With the placement of this column the tower will reach a height of 1,271 feet, making it 21 feet higher than the Empire State Building, notes Dunlap.
Of course, the building marks much more than just the tallest occupiable space in New York.
"It's the marker for the memorial," said David M. Childs, the architect who led the design team at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, where he is now a consulting partner. "If you're coming in from Newark Airport, this is the one you'll look to. Somebody will say: ‘You see that tall building? That's ground zero.' "
Mr. Childs said the tower would also play the necessary civic role of being the "answering spire" to the skyscrapers of Midtown. "In a way," he said, "it ties together Manhattan, which lost something because of that emptiness in the sky."
FULL STORY: With a Steel Column, a Tower Will Reclaim the Manhattan Sky
Big Egos and Fat Wallets Drive New York Skyscraper Boom
The Empire State Building's place in New York City's skyline is set to be challenged by several new residential towers, as the city experiences a height hysteria not seen since the heady days of the late 1920s.
LEED May Be Discouraging More Bike Storage Rooms
In a paradox of green building practices, a new office building can't earn points for building bike facilities unless the storage room has showers and changing rooms, making the price pricier.
Report Reveals Proposed NYC Congestion Pricing Details
The draft proposal indicates most drivers would pay $15 to enter the Central Business District.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions