The Rebuilding of Ground Zero, Part 43

This is an excellent overview of the situation at Ground Zero as it stands today, and what we have to look forward to in coming months.

Most disappointing is the fact that the Deutsche Bank building and Fiterman Hall remain as hulking reminders that we haven't even completely the deconstruction of those buildings slated for demolition due to their damage and contamination from the collapsed WTC buildings. Without the Deutsche Bank building cleared, work cannot begin within the Ground Zero's 16 acres in earnest.

Also, note that the article points out that the costs are rising 1% a month due to inflation and materials costs. That means that the currently budgeted $15 billion is sure to rise well beyond that figure within months. It once again highlights why delays early in the process and working within the constraints of the flawed Libeskind master plan led to delays and further problems and revisions.

It further highlights the problems associated with still more revisions and alterations to the plans that will result in added costs above and beyond what is already projected.

Meanwhile, Larry Silverstein continues to lease what remaining space is left at 7WTC. He's just signed a big deal with HSBC for 280,000 sf on the top seven floors of the building. That's more than 15% of space in the building, and is a major catch for the building going forward.