Current rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 27, 2006. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, SPI, and SOM.
Freedom Tower construction progress as of August, 2007.
Construction progress: June, 2008
Construction progress: June, 2008
Construction progress: June, 2008
Current rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 27, 2006. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, SPI, and SOM.
Current rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 27, 2006. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, SPI, and SOM.
Current rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 27, 2006. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, SPI, and SOM.
Current rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 27, 2006. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, SPI, and SOM.
Current rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 27, 2006. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, SPI, and SOM.
Previous rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 29, 2005. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Previous rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 29, 2005. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Previous rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 29, 2005. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Previous rendering of the Freedom Tower released June 29, 2005. Image courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Old rendering of the Freedom Tower from the 2004 plan. Image courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Old rendering of the Freedom Tower from the 2004 plan. Image courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Old rendering of the Freedom Tower from the 2004 plan. Image courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Old rendering of the Freedom Tower from the 2004 plan. Image courtesy of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.
Built: 2006-2018 Cost: $2,000,000,000 Designed by: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Type: Skyscraper Stories: 82 Maximum Height: 1,776 feet / 541 meters Maximum width: 200 Maximum length: 200 Location: World Trade Center, New York, United States
W hen completed, this will be one of the most important buildings of the early 21st century. It is significant in stature, in design, in its politics, its symbolism, and for the reason it was built.
The Freedom Tower is the replacement for what was once New York's World Trade Center. In September, 2001 terrorists destroyed several of the Center's buildings, including the massive 110 -story twin towers. The stated reason for this action was to protest the United States' support of the nation of Israel and its people. The terrorist attack only served to solidify the bond between the U.S. and Israel, and caused wars in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and the toppling of the Taliban government in Afghanistan. Thousands died when the twin tower fell, and millions were emotionally and psychologically scarred.
The Freedom Tower is more than a real estate project. It is rehabilitation for those hurt by the terrorists and a way to heal the scar on a nation. Part of the healing process is new growth, which this tower represents. But it has been a painful process. The early designs were ridiculed. When the first cohesive plan came out of the pack it, too, found slews of detractors. New Yorkers are notoriously cranky people and they took aim at the design. Most had forgotten, or were too young to remember, that the original twin towers were also the subject of much vitriol for their design and expense. It was only after those towers were taken away that the city realized it had grown to love its pair of white albatrosses. But detractors stalled the project for more than a year, adopted celebrity real estate mogul Donald Trump as their mouthpiece, and embarrassed the city and the nation by allowing the United Arab Emirates to begin work on what would become the world's tallest tower while New Yorkers were busy sticking their thumbs in each other's eyes.
The current design is much less flashy than the previous one. It is something like a large sloping block with the corners carved off, so it appears that the entire building twists as it gets higher. The building's faces will be huge triangles that taper toward the top and the bottom. At the center of the building, they will form an octagon. The skyscraper is symmetrical. Asymmetry was something in the last design that set a lot of people off. Some people also don't appreciate the spire at the top. They forget that the Twin Towers had a spire, too, and the mast is necessary for communications transmitters.
The new Freedom Tower will pay homage to the twin towers in several ways. The base of the Freedom Tower will be 200 feet square -- the same dimensions as the original towers. The observation deck will be at 1,362 feet: the heigh of World Trade Center Tower Two. The glass parapet will be at 1,368 feet: the height of World Trade Center Tower One.
That square base is a safety measure, not just an engineering method. Though it will be clad in glass prisms, the 186-foot-tall base will be a windowless concrete wall, intended to absorb and deflect the blast from car or truck bombs. The glass prisms will be coated with plastic like automobile safety glass to help absorb the impact. It is hoped that the prisms will refract light into color and make the monolithic security measure an eye-pleasing curiosity. The Twin Towers were targeted by Islamic terrorist truck bombs twice, once successfully in 1993, before they were destroyed by terrorists in jets in 2001. The corners of the base will taper inward, with small reflecting pools at ground level.
The Freedom tower is just one of several buildings that will be erected to compose the new World Trade Center. The design is officially known as "Memory Foundations" because it leaves room for several memorials in the 16-acre complex. One of those memorials is the slurry wall, more commonly known as "the bathtub." This structure was the basement of the World Trade Center and served to hold back the Hudson River to keep it from flooding the complex. It was here that the remains of thousands of dead were found, and hundreds more who were never found. People will be able to walk down a ramp from ground level all the way down to bedrock along the edge of this wall -- the last original remaining piece of the twin towers.
Sculptor Kenneth Snelson is working on the spire at the top of the building.
The glass prisms at the base will each be 13-feet tall.
The base of the tower will be 186-feet tall.
The base of the tower will be 200-feet by 200-feet.
The top of the tower will be 145-feet by 145-feet.
The shaft of the tower will be 1,182 feet tall.
The main structure will be topped by a 408-foot-tall mast containing antennae. The base of the mast will be surrounded by a 145-foot wide ring containing more equipment.
The trees surrounding the Freedom Tower will be sweetgum trees.
The corner cutaways are each 186 feet tall. The Twin Towers also had chamfered corners.
The building tapers inward at an angle of 3.8 degrees. The chamfers taper outward at the same angle, resulting in a 16-foot overhang.
Floor space: 2,600,000 square feet.
Height to roof: 1,368 feet -- the same as to the roof of the old 1 World Trade Center
Height to tip of spire: 1,776 feet - the same as the year of the nation's declaration of independence.
29 May, 2003 - The New York Times reports that the Metropolitan Television Alliance has signed a deal to put as many as 22 antennae on top of Freedom Tower. The World Trade Center was home to many of New York's television and radio transmitters until the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Freedom Tower will be the new home to TV channels 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 28, 30, 31, 36, 38, 40, 41, 44, 45, 47, 53, 56, 61, and 68.
17 July, 2003 - Architect David Childs is chosen to design the Freedom Tower.
4 July, 2004 - Groundbreaking. A 20-ton granite slab is used as the cornerstone of the project. It is inscribed with the words "To honor and remember those who lost their
lives on September 11, 2001 and as a tribute to the enduring spirit
of freedom. - July Fourth, 2004."
9 November, 2004 - An architecture student sues the designers of the Freedom Tower. He claims the building was copied from his design for a skyscraper intended to be part of New York's 2012 Olympic bid.
16 December, 2004 - The World Trade Center victims memorial is revised. The new plan includes a Memorial Hall between the reflecting pools that will mark the footprints of the former World Trade Center. It will also include a grove of oak trees with a clearing for memorial services, and public access to the stumps of the columns that once held the Twin Towers aloft. The memorial is expected to cost US$500,000.00 and be completed by 2009.
3 May, 2005 - U.S. Senator Charles Schumer warns that the Freedom Tower project is in jeopardy. He notes that the steel has yet to be ordered, and claims that critics are being given too much attention, preventing the start of real construction. At the same time, the New York Timesreports that Kevin M. Rampe has quit as project leader.
29 June, 2005 - Amid much criticism from celebrity real estate moguls and the general public, a new design is released for the Freedom Tower.
April 27, 2006 - 21 months after the cornerstone was laid, it is announced that construction has formally begun on the Freedom Tower. The work was delayed because of disputes between the developer, Larry Silverstein, and the land owner, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The New York Timesnotes, however, that work actually began quietly a few weeks earlier while the two sides were still hammering out the details. Those details include a total of five buildings to be erected on the site of the World Trade Center, all to be completed by 2011. Mr. Silverstein gives up control of the Freedom tower to the Port Authority in exchange for control of more lucrative property in the complex. He will also pay higher rent.
June 27, 2006 - The design of the Freedom Tower is revised once again. The 186-foot-tall podium upon which the tower rests will now be covered by a screen of glass prisms, hiding the concrete base that has been often criticized for being too brutalist.
June 28, 2006 - The New York Timesreports that the Freedom Tower will have a sky lobby on the 64th floor. This is a controversial move because so many people died in the 78th-floor sky lobby waiting for elevators when 2 World Trade Center collapsed. The sky lobby in the Freedom Tower was necessitated by the June, 2005 design revision which decreased the building's footprint and restricted the amount of space available for elevator shafts.
April 18, 2008 - Pope Benedict XVI blesses the ground where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood.
April 18, 2008 - WINSreports that a homeless man found two sets of confidential blueprints for the Freedom Tower in a trash can. He turned them over to the New York Post.
May 17, 2008: Structural elements start to climb above street level.
June 30, 2008: The Wall Street Journal reports that reconstruction of the World Trade Center could take 1-3 years longer and cost $1-$3 billion more than expected.
July 24, 2008: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church agrees to sell its property next to the World Trade Center to the Port Authority for $20 million. The sale will give construction crews more space to work in and help speed construction of the Freedom Tower and other parts of the World Trade Center. The church building was destroyed in the terrorist attacks.
October, 2008: A report from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey indicated a revised completion date of 2013.
January 14, 2009: NY1 reported that the foundation of this building was completed.
March 25, 2009: The Beijing Vantone Industrial Company became the first company to lease space in this building. It signed a 23-year lease for floors 64 through 69.
March 27, 2009: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey came under fire for trying to eliminate the name "Freedom Tower" and only use this building's mailing address of 1 World Trade Center as its name.
August 4, 2009: The New York Daily News reported that the completion date of this building was pushed back to 2018.
November 18, 2009: Construction of this building reached the fourth floor.
The building will be partially powered by 12 hydrogen fuel cells. They are expected to generate 4.8 megawatts of power for the Freedom Tower and other buildings in the World Trade Center.
patton
Saturday, March 20th, 2010 @ 5:36am
Rating: Five stars. I love how it looks like a big fat middle finger pointed at Al Qaeda.
Julien
Thursday, March 18th, 2010 @ 7:14am
Rating: Four stars. Thoses towers are very different from the WTC but respect the Spirit of NYC. This is a new icon for the city and a new hope of Human freedoms around the World.
Justin
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 @ 1:12am
Rating: Five stars. Still think "The Death Star" would have been a better name
B
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 @ 7:11pm
Rating: Five stars. It's great that the rebuilding of the World Trade Centers is being proceeded. The Freedom Tower is and will be magnificant showing honor and remembrance to those who died in 9/11. America will stand strong. I am proud to see This national memorial and buildings be built. I would love to visit the center and memorial when it is completed in 2012. God Bless America.
David Jeffcoat
Sunday, March 14th, 2010 @ 7:24pm
Rating: One star. I am so disappointed in this dull , generic , uninspiring design . I agree with Donald Trump , what they are building here is a pile of junk . They have even screwed the name up by dropping the term "Freedom Tower" . This is an abysmal failure of all the people who settled on this pathetic design . I was going to take my tourist dollars to the new site but now I am not .
Vicky
Friday, March 12th, 2010 @ 8:52am
Rating: One star. It is an offense to those who died in the twin towers and their families. The space where they once stood should be kept bare, people who are doing this are spineless.
brian
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 @ 2:46pm
5+ stars i think that we should build it as big as we can ,and we will not back down to terrorist but stand up for whats right.stand upon the word of God!hey terrorists, we are . one nation under God!deal wid it.the one true God Jehovah!
M
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 @ 1:34pm
Rating: One star. I don't like this obelisk structure at all so it doesn't matter what it's called. A couple of holograms on or near the footprints of the twin towers would have been much more spectacular - wheter of a simple beam of light (reaching 1,776 feet if you like) would have been a simple memorial on the NY skyline. It would have represented the elusive quality of something you can never bring back.OR even holograms of new, improved twin towers would have looked spectacular at night along the skyline.
gonza
Thursday, March 4th, 2010 @ 11:46pm
Rating: Five stars. today March 5, 2010 i visit the place where is building the towerfreedom and makes me happy because, while going to see a space to recall hereafter the 9 / 11 more than that, is under construction which will again be a symbol for New York and more than that, is how to show all the people who hate this country.than in the U.S. and especially New York you can achieve whatever
vishuan s/o kumaresan
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 @ 7:08am
Rating: Five stars. i really proud of US...this building should be a memorial 4 those who are die at 9/11...i wish u all good luck...may GOD bless u AMERICA!!!
vishuan s/o kumaresan
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 @ 7:06am
Rating: Five stars. i really proud of us...this building should be a memorial 4 those who are die at 9/11...i wish u all good luck...may GOD bless u AMERICA!!!
Aleksey
Monday, February 22nd, 2010 @ 2:51pm
Rating: Five stars. The Freedom Tower so beautiful. I never saw Twin Towers in my life, but I think Twin Freedom Towers the best. Sorry guys for my english, I'm student. I love America. :-)
Brianna E Thies
Friday, February 19th, 2010 @ 11:59pm
Rating: Five stars. I think its beautiful that they r building a new tower and moving on.I waz only 4 when the WTC waz attacked!! My family and friends were in shock.The whole time I waz saying "The City is Falling"!!The sad thing is,I cant remember the towers when they were still standing but i no i we will remember them in our hearts.<3 :3
Janet Jackson
Sunday, February 14th, 2010 @ 9:19am
The building should be; taller, stronger, bigger and more beautiful than the two building the mad people destroyed. Anything smaller the terrorist believe they accomplished their mission. God blessed United States of America.
richard
Friday, February 5th, 2010 @ 12:36pm
Rating: Five stars. this tower is an amazing structure. i just hope that it will stand forever
Super Dave
Monday, January 4th, 2010 @ 4:51pm
Rating: Three stars. I am glad something is being built here. However, it is a plain vanilla building. I had hoped that the new structure would reflect some of our creativity and ingenuity instead of trying to replicate the Twin Towers.The completion of this building is not going to heal of anyone's emotional wounds, but it will send a message that America doesn't give up. It is disappointing that it will take 17 years to rebuild what terrorists brought down in one day.
Benjamin Hernandez
Monday, January 4th, 2010 @ 7:24am
Rating: Five stars. wonderful... but the twin towers dont have replacement,, God bless USA
Gus
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 @ 2:01pm
Rating: Five stars. Awesome and Amazing. The Freedom Tower proves that we/America is the best country in the world, capable of overcoming any obstacle and transgression. This is in memory to all who were lost on 9/11, all who've given their lives in defense of our Nation, and all who believe in our mother land's resilience and bravery.....
kasim
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 @ 1:53pm
Rating: Five stars. so beautiful. 2004 sucked as hell.freedom tower is taller than the twin tower.tallest in the us .2nd tallest in the world!.i live in nyc. cool skyline with the big building.its nickname should be paridise city
W.Garrison
Sunday, December 27th, 2009 @ 1:04pm
Rating: Five stars. That looks ten times better than a new pair of Twin Towers! Not only will it heal broken hearts but it will also prove that the Twin Towers were replaceable all along! When it is finished, I am coming over there on my 21st birthday.
D Walsh
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 @ 4:09pm
Rating: Five stars. Very awesome tower, I was in HS and its all we talked about for along time. Wish they were building twin towers again, but its a very nice tower regardless
Kyle Isaacson
Sunday, December 20th, 2009 @ 1:54am
Rating: Five stars. It is a beautiful structure, but it will not replace our broken hearts. Though we can not stay in the past, so we must move forward, and this is the first step. God Bless America!
mark
Thursday, December 17th, 2009 @ 12:06pm
John Vidulich:That was a very beautiful, touching, and heartfelt story you wrote about visiting the WTC when your were 13 yrs old in 1963......but theres one problem.. They did not start breaking ground on tower one until 1966.
Qaiser Mehmood
Monday, December 14th, 2009 @ 12:34am
Rating: Five stars. this project will be most amazing of the world
Frank Holguin
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 @ 5:13pm
Rating: Three stars. Were they just buildings? Or symbols of a city, a nation? This building is not and will never be what the Twin Towers were. As a design, It may be cutting edge, but I'm more of a traditional kind of people. I want the Manhattan skyline back again, with the original Twin Towers, as it should be.
Veronica
Saturday, December 5th, 2009 @ 6:24pm
Rating: Three stars. There isn't a day goes by my husband and I do not think about the events and losses of September 11. Being New Yorkers, I feel the area should have been rebuilt already, along with the replacement of two towers, of any shape, any size..but two towers as it originally stood. Not one tower. The symbolism is beautiful, however, I find it to be aesthetically unappealing. I feel the city should be restored to it's original skyline, with modifications, and a memorial. That would be symbolic to me.
Rick Fiore
Friday, November 20th, 2009 @ 8:08pm
Rating: Five stars. The bigger the better, 9/11 brought our nations closer along with our pledge to look down upon the cowards and prove that the freedom we love, and perhaps sometimes take for granted, will always hold strong with such strenth that what ever image we are faced with and whatever is thrown upon us, united we can see through it and stay solid in our objective to be free
Andrew
Thursday, November 19th, 2009 @ 10:29pm
Rating: Five stars. I love this building. I remember being in the third grade, when it happened. I still love America it is the greatest nation on earth. I hope that our values and our morals will stay strong and right, if they do then we will continue to have the greatest nation on earth. I think that it is really neat how the entire height will be 1,776 ft. high. very symbolic for freedom. Thank you to all of the men and women who are serving this great country. And to the rescue personel who sacrificed all that they had just to save people that they did not even know. That is what I call true American Spirit. Love you America, and may God bless America!
Declan
Saturday, November 14th, 2009 @ 8:31am
Rating: Five stars. I rate this structure 5 not because of its design, although i dont think the design is neccessary but of its SYMBOLISM. To you america I say you should see the symbolism rather than the design. I felt overwhelmed when the news came through that there was going to be freedom tower built. I will never forget that fateful day when the teachers called us into the gym and put on the news. Shivers are going down my spine even thinking about it. My friends in tears. It wasnt even our country. This shows the impact it had around the world and mostly on America. I know the americans and Irish have always been on first name terms, and on behalf of myself and the Irish I would like to say to you America hold your heads up high, be proud, you have shown strength, courage, pride and unity, everything your nation and spirit stands for. This bulding alos represents the american Spirit,of course the pain will never go away. but you will not be bullied and beaten. So I will finish saying God bless those poor souls of 9/11,God bless those families. and of course God Bless America.
Xavier
Thursday, November 12th, 2009 @ 7:07pm
Rating: Four stars. La tour de la Liberté magnifique construction symbolise la renaissanced'un NEW YORK plus humain.
Keith Michael
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 @ 9:45pm
Truly impressive building. We need to rebuild to defy against all odds. What better tribute there's to rememebr those that lost their lives for reasons so senseless. My thoughts goes back to treasured memories of "Windows on the World." Thats was where my wife and I got engaged. Kudos... We will not be overcome by evil!
Robert
Thursday, November 5th, 2009 @ 11:32am
Rating: Five stars. I was in the third grade when this happened. My dads military and at the time we were living in Misawa Japan. I remember everyone's reaction... Im now a senior and after high school im going to college, will becoming an officer and will be joining the air force as a pilot. I want to get my turn in the fight and do something for my country. please pray for me as i start the beginning of my journey very soon. God bless America.
Wendy Kerr
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 @ 2:40pm
Rating: Five stars. As I read through some of the comments left by others tears welled in my eyes. That day America lost a symbol that was recognizable all over the world, the people in the buildings when they went down and we all lost a little of that sense of feeling safe. If this could happen in America, where can we feel safe. The destruction of the Twin Towers touched us all in some way, all around the world. This new building is like a beacon, a symbol of strength and endurance.Yes, God Bless America!
Priest King III
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 @ 11:04am
Rating: Five stars. I remember that day of 911. I was working in a government office tower that was designed by the same artictect who built the world trade center. I never got a chance to see the world trade center personally. My brother who visited New York some years ago, had a chance to go in one of the towers and had lunch there with a friend who lived in New York. As the years have passed since 911, I'm happy to see something is being done with the site of Ground Zero. In the minds of all the people of the world we will never forget what happened on the day of September 11, 2001. We as the people who live in the United States should and will remember those who lost their lives and the heroes who helped the victims who suffered the loss of their families and friends on that day of 911. May we as God's children keep those in our prayers and pray for our country and the world to be strong for the days to come and the challenges we will face. I hope to see the completion of the Freedom Tower and the other sites that are being constructed around the WTC site. I think it's great to see us as a nation rebuild and move on with our lives.
Eric Weber
Monday, October 26th, 2009 @ 1:16am
Rating: Five stars. Any structure we build as Americans will be amazing! We will never be able to replace the twin towers and we will never forget them, its a great idea to just have one very tall freedom tower! Just because we aren't building two towers doesnt mean this one isn't as good,it's what the tower stands for, and the symbolism behind it is what really matters!!! Anyone who belives otherwise needs to reconsider! That day changed America forever, we can't build the same towers again, it wouldn't be right. Bigger does't mean better! We all will learn to love the new tower and it's complex, just like we did with the twin towers. When it is complete it will be a sight that the world will want to see and admire! God bless everyone who was in those buildings on that day and God bless America!
David
Sunday, October 25th, 2009 @ 4:15pm
Rating: Five stars. I think that this Bulding stands for what happend in 1776.It stands for the freedom that has existed in our country since 1776.I think that this tower is a beacon of freedom and opportunity and no one will be able to extinguish that light.
Nathan Philipps
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 @ 5:29am
Rating: Five stars. Would it have been more fitting to have 2 spires at the top to show that the twin towers will never be forgotten? God Bless America from you Friends and Allies in the U.K
Alberto Sidauy
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 @ 3:26pm
Rating: Five stars. I believe that this will be a new symbol of America and it's greatness.
Jacob Riddle
Monday, October 5th, 2009 @ 8:28am
Rating: Four stars. My father died in 9/11 and this structure will help everyone remember him and the others who died in the attack. Thank you.
John Vidulich
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 @ 9:30pm
Rating: Five stars. As a boy of 13 in 1963 my grandfather took me to the World Trade Center for the first time. I remember so vividly even today, walking up to Tower 1, wrapping my arms around the SE corner and looking straight up. I look forward to the grand opening of Freedom Tower when I will once more walk up and relive that childhood moment. God Bless America and those that lost there lives that fateful day, their families, and those that are working to rebuild such a symbol of enduring freedom and the American spirit...
travis
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 @ 7:53pm
Rating: Five stars. I think its amazing that it will be 1,776 feet tall! That definitly symbolizes america.
Stewie
Saturday, September 26th, 2009 @ 1:06am
Rating: Three stars. I guess if we built a super spectacular building it would then always be a new target, which is unfortunate because we all love a huge skyscraper. NY is one of the best cities in the world, and needed to show just a little more flair in order to represent what Americans want, which is a strong image in the face of such times. I agree with the spire in the corner similiar to the Statue of Liberty, rather than what was there before. The other buildings around it also do not compliment it well....like their too short. Maybe they wanted one tower because two would be kinda of a repeat and maybe less functional given the area needed to give respect to those lost that day. Although I'm glad to read that the people from outside the US seem to think it's a great building. So that in itself tells a lot about what Americans maybe need to learn. Biggest does not always mean better. Preserving our future as a strong nation comes from within.
Dan Kennell
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 @ 3:38pm
Rating: Five stars. I LOVE the United States of America and I can say that the Freedom Tower stands for the true resiliance of the American People!!!!!!
Bill
Monday, September 21st, 2009 @ 10:33pm
Rating: One star. I think it is a shame that this is what they came up with. This should be the largest building in the world. Anything else is admitting defeat to the terrorists and to the world. Of course this is just my opinion.
stacy curry
Friday, September 18th, 2009 @ 7:56pm
Rating: Five stars. Architecture is a passion of mine and i say, bravo to the designers of this beautiful building.It goes without saying that America bounced back from that cowardis act and we are even stronger than ever! God bless all those who were lost and thier families.
Randy Piedmonte
Thursday, September 17th, 2009 @ 12:10pm
Rating: Four stars. I think 2 buildings should stand where towers one and two were lost, but they should stand taller and stronger than the ones before as our country does since 9/11. God bless all the victims and their families and our military.
antonio
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 @ 6:30pm
Rating: Three stars. Well, its an amazing structure, but not so glam like the ones before. It seems that day after day you are trying to reduce it for highness and other. I LOVE AMERICA and I WOULD LIKE AMERICA COULD BUILD AGAIN THE HIGHEST TOWER OF THE WORLD....
Anthony
Monday, September 14th, 2009 @ 12:09am
Rating: One star. I am appalled that after 8 years we haven't seen hardly any progress. It took 400 days to build the Empire State Building, and we're going on 8 years for the 9/11 tower. And in replacing the TWO towers that fell, we are only building ONE that we decide to basically call it 'the rainbow building'. I don't care what the Europeans, or the Islamic terrorists 3,000 miles away think. Call it the American Freedom Tower....and build TWO of them since we lost TWO buildings in 9/11.
Steven Elliott
Sunday, September 13th, 2009 @ 3:56pm
Everthing being said about the new 1 World Trade Center is exactly the same criticism of the old WTC towers. Boring, utilitarian, lacking in imagination and inspiration. They were largely considered an eyesore, until 9/11 imbued them with meanings that go beyond simple steel and glass.The whole WTC complex when it is completed, 7 towers, memorial, museum, PATH station, etc. I think it will have a scale and granduer befitting its location and past.
kathlene Brookes
Saturday, September 12th, 2009 @ 6:46pm
Rating: Four stars. Fantastic to think they are re-building, but the atrocity of the Twin Towers and the bravery of the firefighters of the new york fire department (NYFD), the New York Police Deaprtment(NYPD) and the civilians. Should never ever be allowed to be forgotten.Good luck to all in the future and fondest thoughts to all thoughs who suffered or lost loved ones.
vermonter
Saturday, September 12th, 2009 @ 1:19pm
Rating: Five stars. God Bless the new building and may this never happen anywhere again.
Hamid
Saturday, September 12th, 2009 @ 9:56am
Rating: Four stars. God Bless the fallen
Aaron Barnaby
Saturday, September 12th, 2009 @ 1:18am
Rating: Five stars. I think it looks great, the name should definately stay the Freedom Towers! It was our freedoms and American way of life that was attacked. We will show the world as Americans how commited we are to freedom and our Great Nation.
santhi
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 10:08pm
Rating: Five stars. WTC was one on the most impressive buildings I visited when I first landed in USA . I have been at ground zero twice to pay my respects since 9.11.2001 and cannot wait for the freedom tower to be done. I want Freedom tower to stand proud and unbeatable
Quint
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 8:37pm
Rating: Five stars. I agree with Tom. I want the Twin Towers back. But the building looks amazing anyway.
mark kuhn
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 12:34pm
Rating: Five stars. I think its a beatiful structure. God bless america.
Mark
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 10:14am
Rating: Five stars. It was truly a sad day not only for America but for civilisation, May all of the souls who we're lost be remembered by the loved ones for the truly unique people they we're may we also remember the bravery and the courage that the emergancy service showed on that day, Let us not forget the brave service Men and women who fight for us all on a daily basis. Bruce Lee once said " The Key to Imortality is first living a live worth remembering" let's take notice of these words and try our best to live such lifes for the people who have been lost. Show them our gratitude for the fight they put up everyday because these people have already earned imortality in my mind I say Thank you and wish to just say how greatful the world is.
Dean
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 9:48am
Rating: Five stars. Today on 9/11/09 Google should have this building shown on its opening page. Let's all recognize the day has special meanings for us all that remember how we were attacked for being American. But being American is being free to think, feel,recognize & appreciate that our founders had visions of lofty principles & goals for this country. This building is so inspiring as well. We must work to recognize that our business institutions can only succeed, if they are open and accessable. Thinking about our losses, renewing our resolve and working to keep "hope" in sight of & connected to what it truly means to be a free, working, breathing, proud capitalist American.
Proud American
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 5:32am
Rating: Five stars. I mourn this day fo rso many that gave so much!!! The Freedom Tower is an example of our resolve and pride. God Bless America and those who protect her...
Terry Zimmerman
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 3:38am
Rating: Five stars. 5 Stars. I love you all and I love New York City. I will visit there someday. Nice page. I liked the photos. It was just what I was looking for on this subject.
Alison
Friday, September 11th, 2009 @ 12:16am
Rating: Five stars. Thank you, my friend, Carrie Slump for getting your fellow Morgan-Stanley employees down 66 flights of stairs of #1 World Trade Center Tower to safety!! Remember all the heroes who lived and died in this American Tragedy! NEVER FORGET!! ...whoever you are!! God Bless America 4ever!
Amy Elizabeth
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 @ 5:50pm
Rating: Four stars. what can i say 9/11 was one of the saddest days of my life i will never forget seeing it on the news. i will never forget what happened R.I.P to all the souls who lost there lifes in towers and the braves fireman who was there too.Its been 8 years tomorow and ill never forget that day in the history of my life.i think the freedom tower looks good am happy its getting built but all i can say is it will never be as good as the twin towers and never replace it. GOD BLESS AMERICA !!!! hope to visit new york one day its my dream .
Prashanth
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 @ 8:23am
Freedom Tower going to be remarkable structure in the world. New Yokers will proud to have that amazing structure.
Robert Morris
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 @ 7:00am
Rating: Five stars. It was always a dream to sail into Manhattan and see the Twin Towers on the QE2, my father did all of the furniture and first class cabins and cocktail lounges. We sailed the day before the Twin Towers came down with sixteen customers very proud to be sailing into New York, to have 400 British and 800 New Yorkers on board seeing the scenes where they could not phone from the ship other than at $12 an hour was one of the saddest times of all of our lives. The Freedom Tower looks beautiful and a great name. As a kid I ran up the outside of The World Trades Centre's second building to the top on the outside scaffolding when it was built and looked across from the top of it and watched the sway of the building. We should remember these times in life and try and make the World better for future generations. We visited the Firemen who had lost colleagues, laid candles and read all of the drawings from their children, I remember one little girl called Sarah said on her drawing "My Daddy saved America but he is dead now." So best wishes from Scotland.
Jeannie
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 @ 6:42pm
Oh my gosh, the pictures are so beautiful. When my family immegrated to the US from Ireland, it was for a better life. I am a first generation American and proud of it. I believe no one can stand in our way to rebuild the towers. It is as if this is new life being celebrated.
Anastasios G. Xenopoulos
Sunday, September 6th, 2009 @ 10:15pm
Rating: Five stars. Buildings can fall.But brave people always stand.So we rebuild ours and go ahead to the future.I just wish we could fix our broken hearts remembering those who lost theirs.Beutiful monument for beutiful PEOPLE. LOVE THE U S A
Rusty
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 @ 5:37am
Rating: Five stars. I know we all miss Twin Towers, however Freedom Tower is a great reflection of the American spirit, a great example to the rest of the world of courage and determination under adversity. The symbolism is great 1776 feet in height etc. and the associated memorial to all those brave souls that lived and died on that day is a wonderful testament to their love and courage. We will never forget that cowardly act that was committed by those dastardly cowards, just as we will never forget the incredible bravery of America on that day and after.GOD BLESS AMERICA Gods Nation.
Declan
Monday, August 31st, 2009 @ 12:15pm
Rating: Five stars. i think the freedom tower is absoulutly incredible. im going up that observation deck as soon as its built even though i live here.
Kendall
Saturday, August 29th, 2009 @ 5:56pm
Rating: Four stars. One other poster said it and I have been saying it since the horrible day. I think the greatest respect to those that died there would have been to rebuild them just as they were with better construction. It would have also served as a two fingers held up to the terrorists. I just believe it would have said we won't be cowed or stopped from living free.
Inger
Friday, August 28th, 2009 @ 2:33pm
Rating: Five stars. First I was sorry that the old WTC should not be replaced, but I understood the respect for the victims relatives. What I see here is very very beautiful and I look forward to see the new Freedom Tower next September when I´m going to visit NY for the first time. If it is posible I will go to the top and enjoy the view from there and say a little prayer for all who was involved that day.
Nico
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 @ 10:19pm
Rating: Five stars. Very beautiful tower! I like it very much and I will come over to visit when it's done. I hope USA to build the first 2km tower soon! A tragedy what has happened, I shall never forget....and it should never be forgotten.Keep up the good work USA!Kind regards,Nico from Amsterdam
Mike Toner
Friday, August 21st, 2009 @ 9:57pm
Rating: Five stars. Hello from Scotland. Just want to say well done on starting this magnificent building! I will never forget 2001 when the loss of life and the twin brothers came down. I always wanted (and will) visit New York, but my goal is too see this building standing proud and strong and putting two fingers up to the terrorists. FREEDOM!!
Ken
Friday, August 21st, 2009 @ 10:54am
Rating: Four stars. As I was reading through a few of the comments, I agree with Ivan. If you look at the structure, it almost seems like both the WTC's are formed into this one structure...a sign of unity, which is what this country is all about. Many people are saying they're upset with the design because it's not a bold enough statement. However, although I agree to a certain extent, I feel this is a very powerful structure that will surely stand as the "FREEDOM Tower." It might be "sinmple" but it will stand tall and proud, as will the people who will admire the finished work, im sure. I was in fifth grade when the 9/11 attacks happened and I remember every moment of it; no American, nor many around the world, will ever forget that horrid day. I feel this building with show a great presences of what this country truly stands for...the power of freedom. America Bless God, and in return, God Bless America.
Cheryl Davis
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 @ 1:07am
Rating: Four stars. I think the 2004 design is what should be built but,it would be a better show of strength to just re-build the Twin Towers to show those "Haters" that we may have fallen but we will rise again and be better than before!
Casey
Sunday, August 16th, 2009 @ 2:15pm
Rating: One star. I like the design and alll but nothing can replace the twin towers. There only building one, they used to be the TWIN towers.
Brad McKerracher
Saturday, August 15th, 2009 @ 4:40pm
Rating: Three stars. Can't wait untill the new buildings are built. Was in NYC in Sept 2001. My last memory of the twin towers was late at night leaving the city on the Statern Is ferry and looking back at the towers with the office lights lighting up the building. I'll never forget that.
janine haworth
Friday, August 14th, 2009 @ 6:14pm
im glad someting is being built there i will never forget watching sept 11th on tv i know it was worse for those there but it should never be forgotten my opinion is that the twin towers should be built back as they where to defy the terrorist, only stronger and better designed we have lost an iconic landmark, and we should never forget those that died but its what i feel about those towers should be built back to how they where.God Bless America always
tom
Thursday, August 13th, 2009 @ 6:25pm
Rating: One star. I shiver just looking at it.It looks like a typical new building.I much prefered the old building design by Ken Gardner.Before terrorists attacked them they were the twin towers, now, they have been changed,I think if they started off as the twin towers, then nothing should stand in their way to stop them being that way, not even terrorism.Greetings from Ireland.
shane grimwade
Sunday, August 9th, 2009 @ 2:57am
Rating: Three stars. It looks like its been done before. I like the 2004 design much better, it had a statue of liberty look to it with the spire to one side/corner. It looked to symbolize power and strength, which is what the site needs along with rememberance.
PAUL ROWLAND
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 @ 3:12pm
Rating: Five stars. wow wow wow i cant wait to see the finished building lets keep up the fight for FREEDOM
vivi
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 @ 3:07pm
Rating: Five stars. what a magnificent replacement for the twin towers NY has always been beautiful and powerful , one is lost the other will come up even better and glorier
patrick murphy
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 @ 3:52pm
Rating: Five stars. it will look so beautiful when it soars over manhattan, the freedom towers shows to the world new yorkers and there amazing spirit, fighters, who never quit, an amazing city with an amazing people, god bless, love and respect from ireland
R. Schumacher
Thursday, July 30th, 2009 @ 6:59am
Rating: One star. It's no where near anything that has been designed nowadays.It's a dull design, not very powerfull. I'm in construction myself and have seen many buildings that have been more appropriate for the occasion. I'm sorry but this design, in my opion, says nothing about what happend there.
david
Monday, July 27th, 2009 @ 11:25am
Rating: Five stars. i will always remember 9/11. we all will remember the wtc's in our hearts. i am glad to have the new freedom towers to prove how strong the United States are and also to symbolize the loss of our brothers on that terrible day.
miles
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 @ 10:33am
Rating: Two stars. i visited ny around 3 months ago and just one thing came to my mind a dialoge from brave heart "u can take our lives but u cant take our freedom" god bless america
Ivan
Thursday, June 11th, 2009 @ 4:12am
Rating: Five stars. I have a school project to design a poster on a historical event and I decided to go with 9/11. I was doing a research which brought me here. I read a lot of the comments and I didn`t see anybody mention something that I see (may be it is just me) but with this great design of the "Freedom Tower" I see the 2 WTC buildings will be rebuilt in one single... What I mean is: 1st - the base is in octagon shape (4+4 sides not equal to each other but still 8 sides representing the 2 buildings). 2nd - at the bottom (above the stores of the closed section) I see, representing in a smart way, the WTC 2 buildings one in another (the one inside is twisted in 45 degrees)... I can`t really explain it but this is the way I see it :)
Anna
Saturday, May 30th, 2009 @ 8:37pm
Rating: Five stars. Beautiful design.. A great positive step forward and further showing the world the USA are a strong nation and will not be beaten!
CJ
Friday, May 29th, 2009 @ 6:12pm
Rating: One star. The final manifestation of this building betrays the endless compromises that had to made during the design process. It's utilitarian, boxy and uninspiring. I've seen a lot of comments that laud the symbolism of reifying the American spirit in terms of a new structure that mimics the first two. But I have to agree with Nicolai Ouroussoff on this one. This tower is a symbol of a nation mired in fear and paranoia, unable to make a truly bold decision to build a new and daring monument to our collective power and creativity. Many argued that the element that made the original towers tolerable as an architectural feat was that there were two of them to resonate with each other. This singular monolith derives from the blandness of the others and adds nothing but a simple angular skew down the side to differentiate it. Although the original design by Liebeskind was unable to accommodate required security and usability measures, it made a powerful statement by abstractifying the shape the Statue of Liberty, reimagining it in terms of a postmodern structure. As for Donald Trump's two-cents: he's a businessman. Leave architecture to the professionals.
ROBERT
Friday, May 29th, 2009 @ 12:12pm
Rating: Five stars. This will be a wonderful addition to NYC skyline !!!I do hope along side the names of those who died that day that we also remember the solders who Died for our Freedom.
Joseph in New Jersey
Thursday, May 28th, 2009 @ 8:28pm
Rating: Five stars. Stephen of Calgary your post bought tears to my eyes.. Your a beautiful person....I visited the towers twice in grade school... And on that day I went numb emotionally I had such a problem processing what had just happened...I live in Northern New Jersey with a view of the NYC skyline and I left school and drove to my favorite skyline view and just stared in shock it felt like a piece of me was taken when they fell. And I always think about the victims.. I honor and cherish them...As far as the name of the building Freedom Tower will be it's nickname...
Chakkrit
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 @ 6:47pm
Rating: Five stars. The twin towers were the biggest towers that I saw and when I look up it amaze's me that I felt real small. But freedom tow is a really good name to have for the towers so that people can have the freedom that they need. God Bless those who had their lives taken from them and my preys and thoughts are with you.
RanZ
Monday, May 25th, 2009 @ 11:10pm
Rating: Five stars. No matter what is Built at Ground Zero it will be Awsome, As Americans we will prevail! Another symbol to show the World our Strengths and Incredible Spirit to Live Free... Bless those whom were lost and Bless those Whom Rebuild. The USA is Proud and Honored
Scott
Monday, May 25th, 2009 @ 6:43pm
Rating: Four stars. I think the Tower is wonderful. I am a NYer I rember when the origonal towers were hit. it was a devestating day for me, I was only seven Years old. I am glad they are not rebuilding the Origonal WTC because that would be a horrible reminder Of 9/11. I like the designe, it could be taller though. and needs a huge monument of the origonal WTC in the park out front that says something like"rember 9/11 " or something along the lines of that.
Peter Walukiewicz
Monday, May 18th, 2009 @ 3:19pm
Rating: One star. It's ironic, that the very same part of the world that supplied the 9/11 terrorists, will soon have the World's Tallest Building....Burj Dubai. I guess they are NOT afraid to build taller. New York City let the corrupt politicians rob us of our only chance for new Twin Towers. I'm afraid that 1 WTC (Formerly "Freedom Tower") does not cut the mustard.
Mirek
Thursday, May 14th, 2009 @ 4:34pm
Rating: Five stars. Awesome building. Twin Towers were amazing and their destruction was a terrible disaster. I've never been to America, but I am very emotionally "connected" with WTC because since 2006 I fight with conspiracy theories about 9/11. This tower will be a new symbol of NY and USA and a sign - Osama - you have failed. Western values survived and we are stronger and more united than before 9/11. God Bless America!
DCM
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 @ 3:43pm
Rating: Five stars. I think some are forgetting that this is a business structure and yes rebuilding is only one step towards moving on but remembering. If we rebuilt twin towers we would be showing disrespect to those who died. Why is there no 13th floor in Hotels? Why do they not have a room 666 simple it is out of respect for what makes America Awesome it is HEART! Something the terrorist can never have and never take away.. God bless America and those who live and die for her! Patriotism is who WE are!
bryan
Monday, May 11th, 2009 @ 9:51pm
Rating: Five stars. i would love the TWIN TOWERS to be back up but at least we will have a TOWER that represents them both and our FREEDOM....GOD BLESS AMERICA AND EVERYONE IN U.S.A.
Alex Siranosian
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 @ 11:21pm
Rating: Four stars. i love N.Y.C since the first time i went, but when i went i couldnt see the wonderfull twin towers, and i would love to see them, ofcurse i love this new modern building, but nothing is going to be like the twin towers, and i would really like them to rebuild them
Captain Awesome
Friday, May 1st, 2009 @ 5:31pm
Rating: One star. They should make it in the shape of a giant middle finger and call it the "I dare you to pull that sh*t again" building.
Russ
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 @ 11:35am
Rating: One star. I feel that the design is nice but if your are going to build something why not go for spectacular. to me the building is very plain in design i like the never ending glass but there is nothing in the design that makes it pop as something spectacular.
kyle anderson
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 @ 10:45pm
Rating: Five stars. this will be a good building but i wish amarica will come back and build more stuff other places are ahead of us but the freedom tower is a good name and it is a step closer to the future!!!!!!!
Mike
Sunday, April 26th, 2009 @ 1:25am
Rating: Five stars. I for one think that this will be a great building. It is about time we as a country start to pull together as a whole and feel proud for what we believe in. We have nothing to be sorry for and I mean nothing. I would like to thank everyone for their support of the U.S., but I will say this we can not forget what happened that day. We can not let the world forget because, that is when the one's who lost their lives will be forgotten. We need to remember what they did so it doesn't happen again!!!!!!!!
Sarah b
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 @ 9:47pm
Rating: Five stars. I think this is beautifull and soon to be classic building, remebering that day still breaks my heart and this is a wonderfull way to remember the victims. I think it should be called the freedom tower, not the world trade center, the name is still to raw for america to handle.
Eileen Martin
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 @ 6:58pm
Rating: Five stars. As a N.Y.er I love the design,nothing will ever replace the Twin Towers. It will sure be nice to see a program on t.v. with Freedom Tower in the backround.
lewis
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 @ 3:08am
Rating: Two stars. A rather disappointing design. Especially after all the hype and stuff. The Dubai building is MUCH better.
malc
Sunday, April 12th, 2009 @ 5:05pm
Rating: Four stars. The tragedy that was on that awful day will remain everybodys mind forever..the new building does look awsome in my mind,but i think any building could not possibly take the place of the old towers,very rarely is a sequel better than the 1st showing.But well done the U.S for getting back on your feet,the normal people of this world need good stories like this to get through each day.
Pubb
Sunday, April 12th, 2009 @ 12:10am
Rating: Five stars. I think this structure is rather elegant and pleasing to the eye. It represents advances made in technology since the old World Trade Center was built. The twin towers were great, but I like this project better, as it is much more sophisticated and more peaceful to look at.
Stephen of Calgary
Monday, March 30th, 2009 @ 11:15am
Rating: Four stars. I remember my first visit to the towers during a school trip from my small farm town. I was awe inspired looking up and these towers shining in the sun.Years later again during my Chefs courses "Windows on the World" Wine course was part of my standard study books. I remember my Wife calling me at work telling me to turn on the TV at the restaurant a plane had just hit the tower in NY. I remember watching the scene when another plane hit the other tower.I remember the towers as they came crashing down and my deep sadness and shock. I remember feeling a deep loss for the people that died and feeling dispair and confusion. Why would someone do this? I asked myself over and over again. This indecent act has affected millions of people all over the world.A name for the tower really does not matter, what does matter is that everyone remember those that were lost and the people that tried to help them. My wife and I still cannot see the movie because it's still to soon for us.
Larry
Sunday, March 29th, 2009 @ 10:08pm
Rating: Five stars. As much as I loved and miss the Twin Towers I think the news WTC is going to be gorgeous. The new tower pays tribute to the old. It's going to be beautiful.
Tyler Christensen
Sunday, March 29th, 2009 @ 3:33pm
Rating: Two stars. We the people of the world dwell to much in the past and not for the future .....
ronny navarrete
Sunday, March 29th, 2009 @ 2:31pm
I remember september 11 and I truly loved the Twin Towers and since that day I was never the same but I still love the idea you guys have and spaceally the name Freedom Tower it sounds wonderful
Bob
Sunday, March 29th, 2009 @ 1:50pm
Rating: One star. We are told the patriotic name ‘Freedom Tower’ no longer applies it has been dropped because it’s out of fashion, no longer useful or viable. In fact, Port of Authority thinks it’s controversial in marketing office space, especially to foreign companies who may not share our values on freedom. The name ‘Freedom Tower’ initial took some time getting use to but eventual gave meaning to our nation’s commitment to rise above the attacks of 9/11 and our strong belief in democracy where freedom makes us prevail. However, by renaming the tower ‘One World Trade Center’ illustrates some arrogance and insensitive. This address name should remain forever attached to the memorial site of the fallen building, in respect to the many persons that perished there on 9/11. Somehow the Port of Authority just doesn’t get it. In the aftermath of 9/11, many Americas and foreigners poured into this City and gave freely of their time and labor to help clear ground zero and locate the remains of lost ones. They represented America’s ideals of freedom and goodness. The Port of Authority’s act of renaming the tower only reinforces a negative image of New Yorkers as money mongers. It inflicts more tarnish on the City’s image at a time when it needs buffing-up at every step forward. Between 2001 and 2007, before the financial melt down, the wealthiest of New Yorkers were rolling in cash, but too greedy and too shallow to take charge of this building’s design for the betterment of all New York. For less than a measly few billion, this tower could have been a visionary symbol of America’s greatness, the freedom to achieve the extraordinary, but New Yorkers for all their accumulated wealth somehow are deprived of true vision and national purpose. The ‘Freedom Tower’ name was the only thing left to de-sensitize an otherwise stark building design. Frankly many in the cultural and artistic community abhor the design. From outward appearance it is a monolithic that comes off uninviting and expresses no virtues of openness. The bunker-style entrance looks like a fortress and not much can be said about the banal grid iron of metal and glass paneling above. This tower design could have been refined into a masterpiece of artistic beauty and a beacon of technological advancements and offer great benefit New York’s image and attraction. Trillions of dollars have been stolen and lost and more money is being exhorted from American taxpayers with the ongoing bail-out banks, investment firms and financial crooks located here in New York City. The loss of ‘Freedom Tower’ name is just another example of New York City’s declining respect around the nation and around the globe.
Vinny
Sunday, March 29th, 2009 @ 5:48am
Rating: Five stars. The new structure design is awsum!I remember when the original towers were being built what an amazing sight! It seemed like forever while the foundation was going in and then like magic the buildings went up with such precission and grace... I can't wait to see the progress. For those who cast negativity on the new structure and design I say this: "Remember all the negative comments while the Twin Towers went up, no one seemed to want them, but when they were completed that all changed every New Yorker was proud as they gazed at their stregnth and beauty and for what they symbolized" Gone but never forgotten they live on in our hearts and minds forever! My heart goes out to all that suffered, and suffered a loss during that tragedy on September 11,2001
keith bauer
Saturday, March 28th, 2009 @ 10:13pm
Rating: One star. Having knowledge of the origanal construction of, I always called the "twin babies." Renaming this monument is sort of renaming the Arizona. The twin towers is out of the question, I like "Freedom Tower" My son is serving because he became angry on 9/11/01.
David Persaud
Saturday, March 28th, 2009 @ 8:30pm
Rating: Two stars. Hello everyone my opinion is that the revised design is just plain ugly. I want the skyscraper to be rebuilt: bigger, better, stronger, and more beautiful. The Daniel Libeskind design looked beautiful from the harbor but lacked the height of office space of the original. Also it was the one everyone voted for before it was changed. The new design can have office space at a higher level but it is the same height as the original. The only thing that makes it 1,776 foot tall is the spire which is hardly inspiring especially with that ugly round ring around it. Please let this not be an 1,776 foot eyesore!- Dave
Jorge Medrano
Friday, March 27th, 2009 @ 9:19pm
Rating: Four stars. I was at NYC 5 monts ago and it's an amazing city. I personally think the Twin Towers should be repeated but with new technology, that would become in 2 stronger towers, more elegant, sleek shaped and keeping the american values.
PFC Bandle
Friday, March 27th, 2009 @ 6:17pm
Rating: Four stars. i agree that it does not show vary much creativity but thats also part of the beauty keeping it as close to what was for a mamorial with out making a carbon copy. as far as not being pure american made products its not just the american companys at fault but the port auth. for being cheap in creating the mamorial structure. they should open their pocket books a lil more for their country to create the best damn mamorial possable and show the world that you cant keep this country down.
sergio orbem
Friday, March 27th, 2009 @ 5:09pm
Beautiful building. It is taking too long. It should be done already. When the new building is finished, then we can maybe forget about the tragedy move on with our lives.
Alex
Friday, March 27th, 2009 @ 3:44pm
Rating: Two stars. Why are you complaining about the use of non-USA materials? People from 90 countries died in those towers, not just Americans.It should be a collaboration of all of those countries together. It wasn't just America that those terrorists were attacking: it was the entire Western way of life.Just to note: the twin towers were breathtaking, even in their destruction. The ultimate rebuke to the terrorists would be to rebuild them in defiance.
Russell
Friday, March 27th, 2009 @ 3:17pm
Rating: Five stars. I think is a great structure.To show thos ethat struck at the eart of the sleeping giant.The giant is now awake.America,the brave,forever.
paul
Thursday, March 26th, 2009 @ 5:55am
Rating: Five stars. this is a great homage to those who lived and died as well to honor those families whose loved ones died God bless those families and God bless the us
ramon
Friday, March 20th, 2009 @ 8:57pm
Rating: One star. This is one UGLY building. I agree that Nothing will ever replace the world famous Twin Towers, but this?????? How can you replace to iconic structures with such an eyesore. as for the other towers that are coming up with it, they do not even speak of relevance to each other, or to the twin towers. they look so different, one can only attribute them to illigitemate step children. Please New York, you have always been the city of dreams, and now, you erect a building that isnt even worthy of mention.
Peter Walukiewicz
Friday, March 20th, 2009 @ 5:15pm
Rating: One star. I do not care for the design. Is this supposed to replace our lost twin towers? This building will not heal our beloved skyline.
Burak uysal
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 @ 9:06pm
Rating: Five stars. I hope very good design for a world without war, a World edelimki hope will become lighter,
Clément Bertrand
Saturday, March 14th, 2009 @ 2:11pm
Rating: Five stars. For me, this project is very good for the united states. And, this building is very gorgeous.
Douglas
Friday, March 6th, 2009 @ 3:50pm
Rating: One star. They should have built Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's, "The Illinios".At 5,400 ft. high and SOVEREIGNTY inherent throughout it's design, it alone could fill the space with a worthy structure, providing a worthy function!
Chris Jones
Friday, March 6th, 2009 @ 1:48pm
Rating: Four stars. It's really great.I would reather see the world's tallest building, come back to NYC.
BJ HOLLAND
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 @ 2:16pm
Rating: Five stars. I am not a great lover of buildings, I much prefer nature. But it seems that this single structure lets in more of the sky than the twins did so I like that.I think the meaning behind the project is much more important than the design and height is of no importance. Boswell, I have to agree on the spelling but the American public schools are not doing their job, but I do believe computers have spell check and some people should use it. Steve, unfortunately going back to the old concrete and steel designs would be much too costly in today's economy, unfortunately. Vitalijus - your spelling is perfect!
Matt Miller
Saturday, February 28th, 2009 @ 5:41pm
Rating: Five stars. This tower is definately an eye catcher. I'm so glad that we're putting something there again, New York just doesn't look right otherwise. My favorite part of it is the antenna; the circle around it looks similiar to the Statue of Liberty's crown. I also wanted to thank all the people from other countries for sending such wonderful messages and for not giving up on us; we weren't the only ones hurt on that day from what I've read. I'd love to be in New York on the day it opens to see it in person. May the Freedom Tower serve as a path to a bright future, not just for America, but the world as well. Let Freedom Ring!
Jampa
Friday, February 27th, 2009 @ 2:21pm
Rating: Five stars. If I were the architect, i'd make a higher structure than wtc had, to show the power that america have, however, this project is excelent! God bless all those families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
KAREN
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 @ 7:55am
Rating: Five stars. I think the building would look great when its up and all lit up, The twin towers looked Fab from what i saw on TV but unfortunatly i went to Newyork a few months after 9/11 so it was just land a bit of rubble, i think the tower being built should be so much bigger & brighter, so it stands tall firm & proud, just like you Americans did after the tragidy. This building is going to be a great symbol that will say "you knock us down and we will keep getting up"..i think no matter what was put there, the fact that something is being put there to remebember all those who was killed on that day will let those no who are out to hurt us WE WILL NOT BE DESTROYED! well done America, Im back in Newyork in march, so i will visit here when i get there to see this great building being built by you great poeple.
Jos Schoenmakers
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 @ 5:52am
Rating: Four stars. The idea and design is okay but it will be never the same as the twinn's were......
chris
Friday, February 20th, 2009 @ 11:20am
stood on the observatio decks one year before on my first visit to nyc and i was on top of the world, nice architechture with the freedom tower but agree with lots of people to bring the twins back. its a cruel world we live in and heart felt to everyone who passed that day but the ultimate memorial would be to rebiuld those towers
Hakim
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 @ 6:15pm
Rating: Five stars. I love The new building... so bright Visible. I think it is amazing how there will be such a big important building built in the centre of Americas financial area. this would be a perfect place for women and children to gather with there families, all the people who got away the last time and celebrate.the grand opening will certainly be a day to remember for my people and americans alike.
danny
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 @ 6:51am
Rating: Five stars. God bless u America this i a beautiful tower but i just pray to Jesus that nothing happens like the sad tragedy of 9/11 protect it and bless all people and good luck citizen of America
jay
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 @ 3:46am
Rating: Four stars. The Freedom Tower is pleasing to the eye, exception being the top 1/8th looks like it was chopped off flat...not very appealing. The estimated cost of 2 billion for a lower Manhattan skyscraper is a low price. I hate to say it, but I think the Port Authority and/or whatever other entity that is funding the Tower might gotten a little too frugal. The most beautiful skyscrapers never skimp on the top floors...look at the Chrysler building, look at Liberty towers in downtown Philly...that's how a classic skyscraper for the ages should look, in my opinion.By the way, this should not be the only new skyscraper construction in Manhattan. We as a nation have fallen behind our foreign competition. Look at Hong Kong for example, it has too many major modern skyscrapers to count. Why are we not building skyscrapers anymore, hardly? Anyway, I certainly hope Liberty Tower gets completed soon, in any case. Any yes, we really should use 100% made in the USA materials in the construction- if it costs 20% more so be it. One last thing, it would be nice if in the green space/memorial area a dozen or so native Oak trees were planted...Oak trees have been known for centuries by many cultures to be a symbol of longevity, I think it would be a nice touch. Peace to all.
mike duhr
Monday, February 9th, 2009 @ 1:58pm
9-11 was a sad day in our history but i think by bulding freedom tower is showing we r not weak and r strogn and will not give up
James Powell
Sunday, February 8th, 2009 @ 7:12pm
Rating: Five stars. Beautiful building and a beautiful memorial site. I am a Volunteer Firefighter in South East Texas and have been for almost 25 years and my department loves the new FREEDOM TOWER design. GOD BLESS TO ALL.
Jeff O
Sunday, February 8th, 2009 @ 2:18pm
Rating: Five stars. I feel that the structure should symbolize those who perished and America must realize who their true allies are and not kid themselves
J.R.
Saturday, February 7th, 2009 @ 1:55pm
Rating: Five stars. How can anyone not rate this a 5? Just for the symbolization of what it stands for. I have to agree with everyone that believes that it should be built from American supplied materials, however, I have to wonder why did any of the American glass companies let it happen? Did they knowingly over bid because they knew that we would want to use all American made material? Why can't "all" of the material providers, be it glass, wood, metal, fabric, or any other material used on this project, give out the best darn discount they have ever given for this one project just to show their support for their country. It's people that get greedy in times like this that causes such atrosities.
Julian
Friday, February 6th, 2009 @ 10:00am
Rating: Five stars. Nice building. This building is a very good memorial.
Doug Brandeburg
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 @ 6:45pm
Rating: Five stars. I would just like everyone know what I just learned, I work for a US glass plant. we were to supply the glass for the Freedom Tower. but an American fabricator was outbid by a European fabricator who intends to use glass from China. So much for an American made icon. how can anyone let this happen
james
Saturday, January 24th, 2009 @ 1:47pm
Rating: Five stars. We must not forget the importance of building this progect with american made materials. We are a strong nation.And we can supply are own american made materials to build this true icon of freedom. God bless america
Tim Sapientia
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 @ 1:32pm
Rating: One star. If they would have ran with the old rendering then I would have given it 4 stars. The current rendering is another reason why I can't stand American architecture post-1940's. With the prejudice removal of the beaux-arts from American architecture so went any style or skill. Another flat top blunder.
christene garcia
Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 @ 11:35pm
Rating: Four stars. I like the structure, but I also wish they would just put them back exactly as they were yet stronger. I love this country and 911 was the saddest day ever. Even though I knew absolutely know one that died, I still shed tears over this event. So, it is unimaginable to me what the dear people of New York City must have felt on that day. This goes to all of you: God bless your strength and kindness amidst such horrifying circumstances and I pray as I hop all Americans pray for the healing of all the people who worked after this disaster and for all of those people who lost people dear to them. I also pray that our country will never see a day like 911 ever again and for God to keep our country safe. God bless you all.
Crysthian
Friday, January 16th, 2009 @ 5:05pm
Rating: Five stars. I'm not from US and neither live there,but the 9/11 hurt me so much and I felt and still feel rage for what happend that day...and I'm very proud about the construction of this memorial building, represents how strong and brave american soul is, as same as the whole world, It is a way of not forgetting to the innocent souls that lost the life that tragic day
Rachel
Saturday, January 10th, 2009 @ 3:49am
Rating: Five stars. As a New Yorker, I like this one far better than the Twin Towers. True, it would be a statement if we just rebuilt them, it would give off the impression that we are unphased and can bounce back. But I prefer the new design because the WTC was the product of an older era which created pretty unattractive structures. The Freedom Tower is far more aesthetically pleasing and shows that we have PROGRESSED and are not just going back to the way things were, 9/11 happened and we need to grow, not just come back.
Alex Dow
Thursday, January 8th, 2009 @ 5:58pm
Rating: Four stars. I think it has a beautiful transition between what i've heard as a "concrete bunker" and that glass framework. However i think we will always feel that day impact us and i dont think the Freedom Tower will replace what America has lost
Erika
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 @ 6:05pm
Rating: Five stars. I believe that the Freedom Tower is a great idea it symbolizes that the terrorist will never bring our spirits down. The Freedom Tower will be a very beautiful sight
Ema
Friday, January 2nd, 2009 @ 8:30pm
Rating: Five stars. I think that it is a marvelous display of the technolgical advances of today. no one will forget the tradgey but 'Its a new dawn' 'its a new day'.Its good to do something positve out of something negative or make somthing beautiful out of something ugly.. and it will make the site a more positve place to visit for everyone. Good luck with a sucsessful project.
Ema
Friday, January 2nd, 2009 @ 8:30pm
Rating: Five stars. I think that it is a marvelous display of the technolgical advances of today. no one will forget the tradgey but 'Its a new dawn' 'its a new day'.Its good to do something positve out of something negative or make somthing beautiful out of something ugly.. and it will make the site a more positve place to visit for everyone. Good luck with a sucsessful project.
keith oswald
Thursday, January 1st, 2009 @ 9:02pm
Rating: Five stars. freedom tower will be the glory that NYC deserves. Your country doesnt need to build bigger and better, nor have twins towers rebuilt. Your country already is bigger and better than most.look to the future but never forget your victims. this design and memorial is something i look forward to seeing with my very own eyes.
Francesca
Sunday, December 28th, 2008 @ 6:44am
Rating: Five stars. c'est très beaux !!New York is beautiful!
Baz Redfearn
Saturday, December 20th, 2008 @ 6:38am
Rating: Five stars. Build this as a symbol of the strength and togetherness of the U.S.A and everyone who lost their lives on 9/11. There are millions of us throughout the world that LOVE America- God Bless You All
chris campbell
Friday, December 19th, 2008 @ 7:20pm
Rating: Five stars. shows our american pride
Stan Morrison
Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 @ 3:34am
Rating: Five stars. Go Loud go proud, the land of the brave. I think this one its not so much about the design or looks its about the fact that you are rebuilding as a statement with many meanings
Billy Weir
Saturday, December 13th, 2008 @ 6:21am
It is a lovely tower,but I can't help thinking the twin towers should have been re-built and taller,even if they had one extra floor.Good luck New York.
Bette
Friday, December 5th, 2008 @ 8:26am
Rating: One star. Replicating the Twin Towers to show the world our true strength, determination, resolve and our total unwillingness to respect the assassins' decision to change our landscape would've been the way to go. By replacing them with a different single structure we're only getting half of the message out. The change I would've made: this time around I'd have the top floors light up each night in 2 different directions with red, white and blue bulbs showing the American flag, in another 2 directions with brown, white and black bulbs with our American eagle, in another 2 with teal bulbs showing the Statue of Liberty, and the last 2 always showcasing whatever holiday is at hand. No matter which sides you'd be seeing at any given time, you'd be seeing different things, plus they could switch around. That would be so gorgeous and so very different from anything else in the world, yet in a way remembering and paying our respects to those who lost their lives in 9/11, and at the same time getting our unsaid message sent out loud and clear to the world.
Travis
Monday, December 1st, 2008 @ 12:17pm
Rating: Five stars. I As a proud half canadien half American STRONLY agree to this this tower is going to make a great addtion to new york i am very pleased to see The United States is taking action even though im only 15 i have been doing lots of research for 6 years now on how this will come to be and i am pleased.....God Bless America
Freedom R. ULES
Thursday, November 27th, 2008 @ 12:46am
Rating: Five stars. The man who walked ascroos the twin towers loved them. He even offered to do it again if they were rebuilt. I say we should give him his towers back, but in a way that doesnt show the old, vunerable United States, but the new, proud, strong and free nation. 9/11 gave my country a black eye and destroyed so many aspects of our daily life. And I though at first, for just two buildings? But then I saw the photo documentaries of people who were out there taking pictures with their cameras, many of whom died. I visisited ground zero, and it was unbelievebly sad. I saw that yes, the WTC was an irreplaceable loss, of not only our pride, but the sense of security around the globe. We need to come back in a way that will not only remember those poor souls who died that day, but will show the terrorists that they cant mess with us. I think we should build twin freedom towers. Same designs as the single tower, just two of them. They will remember the old towers and the people who died, but at the same time, show our dominance.As you see in the pictures, the spires shoot beacons of light into the air, like the current towers of light as a memorial, but two freedom towers and two towers of light will be there in rememberance instead of a single. Then, we can let the man who walked the towers do it again, to show the world that freedom can't be beat.
RobG
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 @ 5:57am
Rating: One star. It can't compare with the original trade center,I had been in the original WTC's and I marveled at them.I still have a hard time believing that they're gone NYC will never look the same with out them.Of all things extremely important about this they absolutly must build a memorial at the site to remember all who have died that day they must never be forgotten always remembered in some way,For my friend,I'll never forget you.
Rob Weir
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 @ 10:32pm
Rating: Three stars. Interesting design but not quite inspiring, as the twin towers were.
Martin G
Saturday, November 8th, 2008 @ 10:28am
Rating: Five stars. I think its a great plan and with the memorial park added IT WILL BE great. Im from the west coast California and we also WILL NEVER FORGET.
Tom Bombaldi
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 @ 2:04am
Rating: Five stars. A lovely building to be sure but disappointing. When the twin towers were built the were the tallest building in the world. This one isn't even started and it's already fallen to fourth place!
Jake
Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 @ 4:04pm
Rating: Five stars. I remember September 11, 2001 like it was yesterday. I thank God with all of my heart that no one that I loved was lost. However, my heart truly was broken and tears rushed from my eyes when I saw the lives that were lost and the families that suffered. I salute all of the police, firemen, and all humans that died on that day. I am glad that the new tower is being built to show that America is standing back up to show that it is still strong by building this new tower. It is sleek, beautiful, and so futuristic-looking. I am from New York and have visited the Twin Towers before they fell and I can't wait to see the new one. Great job and God bless America.
Mohammad Adil Khan
Friday, October 31st, 2008 @ 8:59am
Rating: Five stars. Nice This is... I think thats wonderfull and beutifull Tower in Dubai even all arond the world after complete i want to visit......
Rich
Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 @ 2:30pm
Rating: Five stars. I was born and raised in New York City. What happened on 9/11 will be with me for the rest of my life. I once worked in WTC and don't think I've ever been awed by anything as breathtaking as having lunch at Windows of the World for they truly were the "windows of the world". Although the Freedom Tower is indeed a beautiful piece of architecture my heart yearns to see replaced exactly what those cowards took away from our nation...I want my towers back, exactly how they stood just stronger. I feel had we replaced "exactly" what taken away from us it would have been the absolute loudest message we could have ever hoped to send the world and a memorial in itself.
iulyq
Monday, October 27th, 2008 @ 5:18pm
Rating: Four stars. i do not agree with ryan...there is no faith and greatness....usa pls make sure YOU will have 2 TOWERS BACK!GOD BLESS AMERICA!
sharon
Sunday, October 26th, 2008 @ 4:37pm
Rating: Four stars. i love it it's a great way to honer the lives that where lost on that faitful day i'm really glad there making it bigger so that if something ever happens like this again than we will prepared
J Canaga
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 @ 10:55pm
I dont think that they should be putting anything where the World Trade Centers were unless it was only a memorial for the lives lost on 9-11. It is great that they want to build it but, it is too big, and akward looking. I feel that there should be a memorial that is not as expensive for one, and is little, having photos up of the lives lost that worked in the towers, and or where in the planes, or fire fighters and police officers that tried to save them. It is not right for them to build this HUGE akward thing. Yes I love that the light is on it but people's lives were lost at that site, it truly should just be a memorial. Like Pearl Harbor, they made a little memorial right above the Arizona, to remember the lives lost. Something small but in the hearts of the family memebers and everyone it would be huge. Why make something so huge and spend so much money when there are people out there who do not like it at all. I know it can not always be based on one persons opinion but think of it, if it is a small but meaningful memorial wouldn't it be better then a huge akward looking building that stands out way too much. Think of the people that lost friends or loved ones that have to see that everyday they are in the city, in my opinion they would look at that and all they see is their friends or loved ones faces. If it was me, I would avoid the city as much as possible if that was there. If it was a simple memorial then I would love to pass by or go in every so often. Why not spend that money to make a breath taking memorial for everyone's life that was lost in the 9-11 attack?
Charles-Andre
Monday, October 20th, 2008 @ 3:12pm
I may not come from the united states but when the towers fell, I felt so much rage inside... Thank you for showing those terrorists that the americains like the rest of the world won't break in fear and thank you for helping me getting rid of that rage.
ARUNJIT QAUMI
Monday, October 13th, 2008 @ 8:54pm
Rating: Five stars. A true homage to the great people who laid their lives to keep the spirit of FREEDOM alive. A true symbol of our past present and future. FREE AND COMPASSIONATE WORLD.
Jimmy
Monday, October 13th, 2008 @ 12:32pm
Rating: Five stars. I totally agree with Norman, he left a beautiful message about what this new building represents, I stand beside his comment!
Brandon Steinbeigle (Project Manager)
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 @ 5:38pm
Rating: Five stars. The Freedom Tower is beautiful, modern, conceptual. When u see sunlight reflect off the glazing you see that these towers represent an unwavered story in American History, Freedom!
Michael
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 @ 2:50pm
Rating: Two stars. The design to me looks awkward and uninspiring. When I look at the renderings from 2004, however, with the antennae offset, it seems to almost reflect or mirror the Statue of Liberty holding up her torch, which is cool. So it seem that even some modest design changes could make this building inspiring, if they either went back to something more like the 2004 rendering, or thought about how to have it reflect America's symbols and values.
Christian Lauchaire
Monday, September 29th, 2008 @ 4:34pm
Rating: Five stars. My cousin, Martin Niederer, was the best basketball player that my high school ever had. He played about fifteen years ago. His birthday would have been on Friday. When he was a sophomore, he was the starting point guard for varsity basketball. He went to U. Vermont, but gave up basketball sophomore year. Instead, he decided to get a job in the twin towers. He was killed on 9/11/01 at the age of 23. He was the perfect man and i hope to follow like him. The Freedom Tower will represent all those who lost their lives that day, it will not only represent the people of NYC but the people of America, and it will show the people of around the world that America will never give up nor fear anyone. God bless America. God bless the world
Michael Parker
Friday, September 26th, 2008 @ 5:48pm
Rating: One star. I have to agree with the above post. I too watched the towers come down. I loved those towers. The new Freedom Tower lacks vision and most New Yorkers hate the design. When you look at the building being built in other countries and some in other cities in the US, you can't help but wonder what are they thinking? It lacks any grace, style or vision. It is bland, boring and we can do a whole lot better. We need a tower that looks to the future. One that is a must see building. This, unfortunately is not it.
David
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 @ 7:05pm
Rating: Five stars. wonderful we will never forget that day. the WTC is still there. and the many souls are still roaming the site. that monument will be great.
Raymond Victor
Monday, September 22nd, 2008 @ 10:11pm
Rating: Four stars. I think the new building design seems fine and nice especially after the construction is completed. You can't really appreciate that much seeing only on a perspective design or on a poster, so wait until its done and you'll know... its modern marvel... but i do believe that erecting two towers instead of one is much better, for the reason that, this two towers represents; #1. The boldness, courage and bravery and resilience of american people inspite of advesaries; and #2. The freedom, liberty and equality of the human race. The World Trade Center site would never be the same again without the twin towers. So stand proud! and say "Go Twin Towers Forever..." God Bless us all...
Mary
Monday, September 22nd, 2008 @ 7:16pm
Rating: Three stars. I truly hope we will be able to FILL the new "Freedom Tower" buildings in the way the WTC was once filled. With the volitility of the financial giants who once inhabited most of the office space in the magnificent WTC buildings, I only hope we will have buildings that don't just serve as a empty replacements for an empty skyline. My hope is that the new Freedom Tower buildings will truly symbolize financial strength... and be filled... I'd hate to see "leasing" signs for that building for an indefinite amount of time. God Bless America and God Bless everyone who perished on 9-11-01. May our "Freedom Towers" stand with a unique magesty as our WTC once did.
SCOTTY
Monday, September 22nd, 2008 @ 1:57pm
Rating: Five stars. So Happy to see the American Spirit ! The new Freedom Tower will be beautiful,Strong, and will stand Proud !
Phil
Friday, September 19th, 2008 @ 9:12pm
I too feel the new design is boring and flawed compared to the stunning previous design. I saw the model cast in London back in 2003 and I was quite stunned by the design and i could see why the designer won the job. Now its a farce because the design has been completely changed into a design that would never have won the project. This new design will also date quicker
Seneca
Thursday, September 18th, 2008 @ 5:00pm
Rating: One star. I think the design is quite boring. The original rendering was much better. I cannot believe that this is the BEST architecture for THE city that the rest of the world looks to for inspiration. I'm very dissapointed. Where's the old Amrerican innovative spirit?!?
Jay Kay
Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 @ 8:28pm
Rating: Five stars. I personally believe that the old design of the Freedom Tower was much, much better. It passed along a message, and it resembled a memorial. The top glass part gave me the feeling of a new, fresh start, but the fact that we still remember those who died in the tragic event of 9-11. It's as if our bleeding hearts and souls were healed overtime, our pain vanishing away as the color of the old builing design changes from dark to clear. The new design really dissapointed me and gave me the impression that the new architect does not at all go though the dificult times and troubles everyone else went through. It upsets me greatly, I was very fond of the original design.
George
Monday, September 15th, 2008 @ 1:13pm
The Freedom Skyline Tower is going to be a beautiful site towards New Yorkers and U.S. Citizens alike. This will show Terrorists how strong of a nation we really have. God Bless the U.S.
Sam
Monday, September 15th, 2008 @ 12:10pm
Rating: Four stars. I think that it will make the skyline better, but i dont think it will go with the archetecture of new york
Robert Webb
Sunday, September 14th, 2008 @ 10:37pm
Rating: Five stars. I think That is so wonderful im from New York and I really missed the towers and have been inside to the 79th floor I always loved the Towers. I cant wait til the Freedom Tower is completed I will pray for God to Bless it. May he bless you all as well.
Jackie
Sunday, September 14th, 2008 @ 6:13pm
Rating: Five stars. My friends and I visited your beautiful city of new York in 2007. We visited ground zero and found it to be a very emotional. We could not imagine what all of the people of New York and America where going through that day use are all in our payers God Bless you all.
Delbert Ortega
Sunday, September 14th, 2008 @ 3:17am
Rating: Three stars. I am from Southern California.And am saddened by some of the comments regarding the Asthetics of this building should be and the symbolism of what a Majestic Height represents. I am so proud of my country and seeing the American Flag caught in the perfect wind. Is enough for me to tear up. I want us to remember in the Majesty of the Towers and the damage done by the planes, left us dumbstruck. Look at everyones faces as they watch them burn.The frustration of the firemen, " If I only had a ladder that tall." If we only had something. We all were thankful when the evacuees that did get out from the floors below the damage. Now in our debate of Height and how this new building should out shine and one who said the roof should itself be 1776 feet tall. I want everyone to search : Cbcvideo 9/11 the falling man. The Jumpers. With all of us watching in horror. The ones who above the damage had no escape. NONE...to choose the way in which you will die today. Under the circumstances as we all watched. To feel so abandoned and without choice. To know no cone could reach them or any of us from below who wished we couldve done something. Every year I think of these people and The Falling man, his identity unknown. I cry for everyone that day. Mostly I cry for those who jumped. And am angry so very angry that nothing absolutely nothing could be done because of the buildings height. Anyone can argue with me about this if they would like to . Just leave out the , "We didnt expect this to happen so how could we really have a plan?" Fortunately we can openly agree to disagree on this and again blessed. May all of those who persished that day rest in peace. And For many like the falling man. I pray God gave them absolution for their decision. And In Heaven they have a place. God Bless America
Raymond Fernandez Jr
Saturday, September 13th, 2008 @ 10:02pm
Rating: Five stars. The Freedom tower will heal America's pain. 09/11/01 NEVER FORGET!
Leslie Nichole
Saturday, September 13th, 2008 @ 7:27pm
Rating: Four stars. I think that the tower is quite nice.Yet i think the old one should have been re-built because we would show all the countries that we are still strong and by building it would have been a great idea.But i know the new one will pretty much do the same.
Phil Read
Friday, September 12th, 2008 @ 2:23am
Rating: Five stars. I have visited the twin towers many times and still possess many memories from that place. It was a terrible tragedy what happened in 9/11 and my heart goes out to all those people who have lost their loves ones. I truly believe that this new Freedom Tower will be a great achievement to the NYC skyline. It will give the world a message that we as Americans will never forget that horrible day. It will be a great vision of the future. God Bless America and all of her people!!!
Jonathan
Friday, September 12th, 2008 @ 1:32am
Rating: Four stars. I can't believe it's been seven years. I feel so bad for the victims and their family's. Every time I here story's about it, or see story's on TV, it makes me sick. I'm a 28 year old male and sometimes I cry when I here their story's. It's so sad, I can't believe people could be so cold. I like the idea of this project, but I also think we should build back the TWIN TOWERS. Build them back taller and stronger, and let these terrorist cowards know you can't keep us down!!! This is the best country in the world, and good always prevails over evil in the end. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!
mike
Friday, September 12th, 2008 @ 1:31am
Rating: Three stars. i think if it was a new building and 9/11 never happened it would work for a new manhatten. now everyday when i go to school ill have to look at that? .. they should remake the old ones with a more modern style. but remember when people hated the REAL world trade center in the 70-80s? thats gunna be the same way. either way at least its not a hole in the ground. i hope the famillys are safe and that they get through this. trust me itll look cool. peace
Christi S
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 @ 11:10pm
Rating: Two stars. Proud to be an American! So glad that we are not forgetting. However, I agree with several other posts. This building just doesn't make the right statement. It's impersonal, modern, and doesn't really look structurally sound. I think a true tribute would have been to design two new buildings. Tall, strong, proud buildings. Not something like this. The shape is odd and looks awkward. But that is my opinion. I just pray for the victims and their families. In many ways we are all victims and will live with the memory of that day forever. We should all be proud of how well Americans pulled together in such a devastating time. God Bless!
Angela
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 @ 8:41pm
Rating: Three stars. While I think the structure is amazing, I have to agree with those who believe that the twins should be redone. I think that rebuilding the twin towers, stronger and more glorious will show the terrorists that they cannot keep the American spirit down, while also paying respect to the many who were lost. I went to a site today and looked at each and every one who were lost to us as the result of 9/11. So many faces, so many loved ones, gone forever. I am still so very sad, and it is still hard to grasp the reality of it all. My only hope is that their memories are held sacred by those who are building.
natalie
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 @ 3:54pm
Rating: Five stars. i think it is a great way to reflect on nine eleven and to remember the tradgety and loved ones lost in the terrible incident. It is a beautiful building and im happy to see such a good thing being done to have memories about the great people that had lost their lives. It would be cool if they planted gum trees to represent how many kids lost their parents, to show them that we care about the kids who suffered not just the adults.
Deborah
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 @ 2:51pm
Rating: Four stars. The structure is designed beautifully, but it doesn't seem to catch the essence of why it has been designed in the first place. I will however reserve my final judgement of the structure until it has been completed, most often, results are much better than the actual plans. I also just wanted to say that the very same fatal defect in the structural steel of both of the twin towers probably was also the saving grace for all of the surrounding buildings on that day. I am not referring to the smaller support services buildings, but across each street, buildings and lives were spared as if there was an invisible barrier. If the steel hadn't failed the way it did and the building fall upon itself floor by floor, then very possibly the buildings could have fallen over onto surrounding office and residential buildings. Food for thought.
Victor
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 @ 1:18pm
I believe that good and evil return to the purveyor three times three times three. Just imagine THREE stronger, environmentally perfect towers, each the exact copy of the buildings that were there before, connected above with three walkways and a beautiful memorial garden at the center ground level. You want a message for the world?
Carlos Restrepo
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 @ 12:25pm
Rating: Five stars. Today is a silent day. We're all going about our daily lives but we're all thinking about one thing. It's hard to forget. The Freedom Tower is a vision.
patton
Five stars.
Julien
Four stars.
One star.
Vicky
gonza
vishuan s/o kumaresan
Aleksey
richard
Three stars.
Benjamin Hernandez
Kyle Isaacson
Qaiser Mehmood
Frank Holguin
Declan
antonio
Hamid
santhi
Anastasios G. Xenopoulos
Rusty
Inger
Nico
Two stars.
Ivan
Chakkrit
Mirek
bryan
Captain Awesome
Jorge Medrano
sergio orbem
ramon
Burak uysal
Hakim
Jeff O
Julian
Erika
iulyq
David
Raymond Victor
George
Carlos Restrepo