I hear that funny question all the time.
[sarcasm]Maybe I'll hang around and watch the ironworkers set this perfectly...[/sarcasm]
Maybe I'll also spend some time trying to figure out why Beerleg rotates my pictures...
OK, Exactly What Is This?
A Martian Gargoyle?
Paul in PA
Transit Hall
Images courtesy wtcprogress.com;
I think it's our federal tax dollars at work
Oh, it's a...
Oh, it's a modern art sculpture of a stegosaurus.
and worth
every penny..
The state-of-the-art World Trade Center Transportation Hub, when completed in 2015, will serve 250,000 daily commuters and millions of annual visitors from around the world. At approximately 800,000 square feet, the Hub, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava, will be the third largest transportation center in New York City, rivaling Grand Central Station in size. In a joint venture with the Westfield Group, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will develop, lease and operate a major retail space at the WTC site, including in the Transit Hub.
The WTC Transportation Hub's concourse will conveniently connect visitors to 11 different subway lines, the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail system, Battery Park City Ferry Terminal, the World Trade Center Memorial Site, WTC Towers 1, 2, 3, and 4, the World Financial Center and the Winter Garden. It will represent the most integrated network of underground pedestrian connections in New York City.
The Hub features an "Oculus” design, which will give the facility a distinctive, wing-like appearance. When completed, the "Oculus,” the upper portion of the Transportation Hub, will serve as the main concourse. Incorporating 365,000 square feet of exciting, multi-level retail, restaurant and entertainment space, the Hub promises to be a destination location, becoming the centerpiece for the entire Lower Manhattan district.
Close-by to the Transportation Hub is the Vehicular Security Center and Tour Bus Parking Facility (VSC) construction project. As part of a comprehensive plan developed by the Port Authority, the VSC will be a state-of-the-art security screening checkpoint for all buses, trucks and cars accessing the WTC site and parking facilities. When complete, this structure will reach five stories underground into a basement with connecting ramps leading to the parking and below-grade facilities of all of the adjacent projects on the 16-acre WTC site
> I think it's our federal tax dollars at work
The entire site (over 16 acres) is funded by both public and private sources and involves more than 25 federal, state, local and other interest groups and stakeholders. The entire cost is estimated to top $20 billion, with Tower One coming in a just under $4 billion.
The Port Authority of NY and NJ is floating bonds to pay for part or all of the five office buildings and transit center at the site.
Another billion comes from insurance that Larry Silverstein held when he bought the WTC Towers in June 2001.