Trainspotter Posted July 1, 2008 Share #1 Posted July 1, 2008 WTC transit hub design changes after agency report By ROBERT GEARTY DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER July 1st 2008 Rendering of the original design for the PATH transit hub. The bird-shaped Ground Zero transportation hub is getting its wings clipped. The Port Authority announced today the wings of the Santiago Calatrava-designed transit center will not open and close. "This is a tough choice, but it is the right choice," Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said. "It's reflective of the kinds of choices we simply must make in the coming weeks and months if we are to establish priorities and milestones, to which we can be held accountable." Related: Port Authority: Forget about 9/11 memorial in 2011 Related: Disappointed leaders glad 'the truth is out' Ward announced the design change to a group of business leaders at a breakfast meeting of the Downtown Alliance Downtown Lower Manhattan Association. His remarks came a day after the PA announced that a review of Ground Zero construction concluded what everyone knew: the $16 billion project was behind schedule and over budget. The transit center has been one of the biggest culprits. In April, the Daily News found the PATH terminal complex was nearly $1 billion over budget. The finding was based on a consultant's report obtained by the News. The transit hub was pegged at $2.2 billion and featured Calatrava's elaborate design. The federal government is paying $1.7 billion. The rest would come from insurance proceeds and the Port Authority. The plans called for a soaring glass roof that was to open each year on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack. The Port Authority did not put a dollar figure on how much savings would result from keeping the roof closed. Calatrava, a world-famous architect whose signature projects have become destination points around the world, said in 2004 that he fused a building of "steel, glass, concrete and light" to evoke a spirit of "renewal" and "hope." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo M 201 Posted July 1, 2008 Share #2 Posted July 1, 2008 Good, maybe this thing can be built faster now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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