Larry Silverstein has been working for 22 years to find a tenant for Two World Trade Center, the missing piece in the Trade Center puzzle. His other buildings, including One World Trade Center and Seven World Trade, are filled with major corporate tenants and thriving. Despite his success in rebuilding or launching these buildings, the missing tower has long frustrated him. Now, American Express is in lease talks with Silverstein to anchor the tower, located on the site of a beer garden.
Visitors flock to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Oculus, and the new Perelman Performing Arts Center, but Silverstein’s office towers are the economic muscle behind these attractions. At the age of 93, Silverstein has been a hero without much honor in his hometown. However, the cultural and philanthropic worlds have taken note of his achievements. He and his wife of 68 years, Klara, will be honored at the New York Philharmonic’s opening night gala on Sept. 24.
After taking control of the Twin Towers and other Trade Center buildings shortly before the 2001 terrorist attack, Silverstein has faced numerous challenges in his efforts to rebuild. From political infighting to dealing with governors, mayors, banks, and insurance companies, he has struggled to make his vision a reality. Despite facing obstacles every step of the way, Silverstein has persisted in his efforts to rebuild the World Trade Center.
Silverstein first got involved in the 1980s when he built Seven World Trade Center, replacing the original building with an elegant design. His efforts to rebuild the main World Trade Center site were met with resistance from the Port Authority and other influential figures. Silverstein faced financial difficulties and disputes with insurers, but perseverance and the intervention of key figures like Gov. Eliot Spitzer helped push the project forward.
Despite challenges with the Port Authority, governors, and other parties involved in the rebuilding process, Silverstein continued his efforts. He fought against proposed site plans and worked with architects to design new buildings for the site. The delayed construction of foundations and funding issues threatened to derail the project, but Silverstein’s determination and ability to secure financing ultimately saved the day.
While the construction of the Freedom Tower faced setbacks, Silverstein remained focused on his goal of rebuilding the World Trade Center site. He eventually ceded responsibility for building the tower to the Port Authority due to financial constraints, but continued to work towards completing other buildings on the site. Now, he is on the cusp of securing a tenant for Two World Trade Center, a testament to his unwavering dedication to rebuilding the Trade Center complex.
