In the News: Gehry Design Nixed for WTC Arts Center

••• “The board of the performing arts center planned for ground zero has scuttled the design for the building by Frank Gehry, the project’s original architect, and will instead select a design from a field of three finalists.” They’re not saying who, and no one told Gehry. (Classy!) But this was the part of the New York Times article that really stuck out: “Exactly what the center’s programming will consist of remains uncertain and could encounter its own hurdles. Two tenants—the Drawing Center and a proposed Freedom Center—were ousted from the site because of their potentially controversial content.” And John E. Zuccotti, real estate developer and chairman of the board, “said that, given the setting, he would like to see the center focus on ‘American culture—musicals, musical comedy—something people who come to the memorial can relate to.‘” Gee, maybe they should paint the building red, white, and blue!

••• “After opening a studio in East Hampton this summer, Elements Fitness Studio is bringing its fusion barre and dance cardio classes to Tribeca. The studio is currently in lease negotiations for a full-service studio opening this fall or winter in the neighborhood. In the meantime, the studio is also working on offering workouts in the area through a pop-up.” —am New York

••• “Sharif El-Gamal secured $33 million in financing for his Park Place condominium and Islamic museum project.” —The Real Deal

••• “It may not be the head of Osama bin Laden—but New York City will soon be getting a trophy from the war on terror. The shirt worn by the heroic Navy SEAL who delivered justice for America by shooting bin Laden to death in 2011 will be put on public display at the 9/11 Memorial Museum starting Sunday.” Just wow. —New York Post

••• Men’s swimsuit maker Vilebrequin has joined the ranks at Brookfield Place. I’ve always found gathered elastic waistbands to be extremely unforgiving. —Racked

••• The New York Times profiled fashion designer Alexander Wang, who lives in Tribeca.

••• The new Albany Street Plaza Greenmarket “will be open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the next year. Initially it will offer fruits and vegetables, baked goods and juices.” Also: “Lower Manhattan will be getting yet another Greenmarket beginning Thursday, Sept. 18 when a market opens on the plaza at Coenties Slip [with] seven vendors selling local vegetables, orchard fruit, breads and pastries, honey, hard cider and wine on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 20.” —Downtown Post NYC

 

1 Comment

  1. Cool. The WTC will become another place New Yorkers will avoid unless they work there.

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