“The 41-story former Deutsche Bank building is now the former 41-story Deutsche Bank building."

As today’s New York Times Metro Section asserts “The 41-story former Deutsche Bank building is now the former 41-story Deutsche Bank building. Within a month, it should be cleared away completely.” I think I’m the first person to mention 9-11 on this blog. I, like any other New Yorker, find the topic jarring and personal and can tell you exactly what I was doing that day. What I’m more interested in right now is what the project says about New York.

Throughout our tumultuous history, New Yorkers have demonstrated an inspiring ability to solve problems with a remarkable innovation that can only stem from the diversity of its inhabitants. Our thriving immigrant culture brings new perspectives, expertise, and methodology.

In the construction of the subway system, engineers faced challenges of terrain and water. 

Driven by necessity, they persevered and constructed a system that ushered the city into what I find to be its peak era of modernity.

The Depression hit. 

We built skyscrapers that remain today.

The Bronx was burning.

We rebuilt it and brought economic growth to a struggling city.

Not only is my city able to address its challenges, it responds in ways that push the city ever forward. The demolition of the Deutsche Bank building will mean a new period for Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan. Only time will tell as to what the construction will impact the community, but I’m certain that the construction will (as is only fitting in tribute to those lost) continue to push the city forward. 

Pictures: 

http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/earlyrapidtransitinbrooklyn.html

http://www.aviewoncities.com/nyc/rockefellercenter.htm

http://www.ralphmag.org/EW/23-hits.html

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/ten-years-after-911-the-wounded-deutsche-bank-tower-vanishes/?ref=nyregion