The new memoir by Downtown Founder and Chairman of Silverstein Properties’ Larry Silverstein, is a colossal story 20 years in the making. It is his legend.
Silverstein signed a 99 year lease for the 10-million square foot, WTC complex for $3.2 billion, just weeks before 9/11. His new book, The Rising: The Twenty Year Battle To Rebuild The World Trade Center, published Sept. 10 by Alfred A. Knopf, recalls a conversation with former New York Governor George Pataki, where when he was asked what to do after the tragic fall of the Twin Towers. Silverstein stated that there was one path forward-to “rebuild.”
It took Silverstein five years of litigation with 24 insurance companies, to secure the 5+ billion dollars that they promised, in addition to dealing with many challenges with designing, engineering, and constructing new towers, to create the vibrant hub that Downtown is today.
The book is a testament to Silverstein’s perseverance in the darkest of times, to bring light, color, and vitality back to downtown New York.
Silverstein, now 93, spoke at a recent press conference to discuss his book, and the state of downtown.
Larry Silverstein speaks at a press conference for his new book. Photo: Linda Sheridan
“Downtown New York has become a totally different community. Twenty seven percent of the people who work downtown, live downtown. There is no other work/live ratio, of that magnitude, any place else in the United States.”
“Never bet against New York,” says Silverstein.
Nearly all of the building on the WTC campus have now been rebuilt. Anchor tenants for the final building, Tower 2, are being sought.