The World Trade Center – Saving the Columns for the Memorial
By: Nan Wood
I, like many of you, was shocked by the events of Sept 11. On one occasion I visited New York City. At that time, I could not face the devastation of the buildings and the ongoing pain it has caused to many Americans.
Currently the work is in progress for the memorial which will use parts, if possible, of the steel columns of the original building. Officials are unsure how much of the building was actually saved. They do not know how much is actually useable. Thousands of tons of debris was carted off and saved in an airport hangar. According to Monica Svojsik, Senior Associate of a firm run by Leslie Robertson, the structural engineer for the original trade center installation, they are trying to find out what they have of the widely photographed façade.
Several of the columns have been located. The steel has not been found yet. The engineers believe that forty percent of the façade was actually saved for the future. The steel was cut into pieces and tagged before it was removed from the site. The weight and size of the columns made it necessary to reduce it for moving.
All of America is waiting to see what replaces the original structure. So many people were touched by this event. I recall my horror that day as the events unfolded. I was fortunate. My daughter, Colleen, could have been in the city that day. I was blessed, she remained in New Jersey working. I saw her struggle to come to grips with this. She was unable to go into New York for quite a while without fear. Her love of the city showed in her face. I too love New York and look forward to seeing the Trade Center and the museum exhibits.
Nan is an Accountant and Real Estate Professional with an information and research site online RealEstateLady and a Business
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