Beaver Builder PowerPack

Father-and-son builders John and Dan Tishman were recognized on Wednesday, May 11th as The Skyscraper Museum presented its 2005 Making New York History Award. Held in the Museum’s gallery where the original 11-foot tall model of the World Trade Center model is on display, the event began as special guests offered toasts and recognized the Tishmans' unique historical connection to the Trade Center site.

Left to right: Dan Tishman, John Tishman, Larry Silverstein,
Carol Willis, and Les Robertson

Developer Larry Silverstein began the tributes, recalling his respect for the Tishmans as builders and owners and his own close association with John Tishman, dating back to 1984 and the construction of the first 7 World Trade Center, which along with the Twin Towers collapsed on 9/11. “When we had to make a decision as to how to go forward with respect to a new site, the first person I reached out to was John’s son, Dan.” Silverstein spoke at length of the Tishmans’s constant “professionalism, integrity, knowledge, and experience.”

The Tishman legacy of construction was also praised by New School University President and former United States Senator Bob Kerrey who noted the Tishmans’ important role as great American builders.

New School University President and former US Senator Bob Kerrey

“I have a special place in my heart for men and women who build, who design, develop, and transform spaces from what they used to be into something grander, something better, something that is habitable by us but also that inspires us,” said Kerrey. “They change the nature about the way we feel about this city in many ways.”

Leslie E. Roberston, structural engineer of the World Trade Center, and David Childs, architect 7 WTC and Freedom Tower, offered their own toasts, making note of their long-standing professional and personal relationships with the Tishmans. Robertson spoke of his admiration for John for the organization of steel-work contracts during the building of the World Trade Center.

Leslie E. Robertson and David Childs

David Childs remarked, “We’ve had a wonderful career with Skidmore Owings & Merrill and your firm together, all these multiple generations, and I must say I have as a designer learned enormously from you. Normally one has a relationship between client and architect and contractor, but in this case you’ve been on both sides of that triangle for me, client and builder, and it’s been an honor and a great education.”

Also in attendance, along with about 150 guests, were New York City Commissioners Amanda Burden of the Department of City Planning, Shaun Donovan of HPD, and Rob Walsh of Small Business Services, as well as Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott. They brought a letter of commendation from Mayor Bloomberg which noted: “Tishman Construction Corporation has played a vital role in New York City’s growth and has made important contributions to our world-renowned skyline. As the leading team for the future Freedom Tower, they have demonstrated a strong commitment to the continued redevelopment of the Lower Manhattan community.”

Carol Willis, Director of The Skyscraper Museum, presented the 2005 Making New York History Award, extolling the Tishmans' central role in the history of high-rise construction.

Museum Director Carol Willis, center, presents the Making New York History Award to Dan Tishman (left) and John Tishman (right).

“In honoring John Tishman tonight,” she said, “we take note that he is the first and only builder in history to head the teams that constructed three 100-story towers—indeed, the first three supertall buildings in history: the John Hancock Building in Chicago and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.”

Founded in 1898, by John’s grandfather Julius 107-year-old the family development and construction business has been led by John Tishman as chairman for 29 years. Dan Tishman is the fourth generation to head Tishman Realty and Construction Corp., Inc. He leads the team for Tishman in the construction of both 7 WTC and the Freedom Tower.

Honoring environmentalist and developer
DOUGLAS DURST
and the Durst family

On Monday evening, May 8, The Skyscraper Museum honored Douglas Durst and the Durst family with the 2006 Making New York History Award. Two hundred guests attended the cocktail reception at the Museum’s Battery Park City home, where the exhibition “GREEN TOWERS for New York” provided a vivid illustration of The Durst Organization’s visionary leadership in green building design and development. Durst projects highlighted in the show include the pioneering Condé Nast Building @ 4 Times Square, the Helena Apartments, 125 W. 31st Street, and the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park.

From Left to Right: Alexander Durst, Anita Durst, Douglas Durst, Robert Fox, Carol Willis, James Hedden, Bruce Fowle, and Hal Fetner.

Offering toasts to a smiling Douglas Durst were a series of speakers, including Congressman Jerry Nadler, New School President Bob Kerrey (in absentia), architect Bruce Fowle of FXFOWLE, developer Hal Fetner of Sidney Fetner Associates, daughter and son Anita Durst and Alexander Durst, architect Robert F. Fox of Cook + Fox, builder Daniel R. Tishman (in absentia), and James Hedden, EVP, Commercial Real Estate Banking at Bank of America.

Also in attendance were NYC Commissioners Patricia Lancaster, Shaun Donovan, and Robert Tierney, and Diana Taylor, NYS Superintendent of Banks.

In the spirit of the classic compendium of prominent professionals, Notable New Yorkers of 1896-1899, published by Moses King, The Skyscraper Museum established the Making New York History Award in 1999 to honor outstanding individuals who have shaped the city’s skyline in three dimensions or in our public perceptions. Past recipients have included Kenneth T. Jackson, Robert A.M. Stern, and John L. Tishman for their monumental achievements in historical writings and city building. The Making New York History Award 2006 pays tribute to the Dursts for visionary leadership in green building development and their enduring commitment to a sustainable city.

Alexander and Anita Durst toast their father, Douglas.

One of the most respected names in commercial real estate, the Durst family traces its business history back three generations to the 1910s, when Joseph Durst bought an office building on 34th Street. His sons, Seymour, Roy, and David, continued to build and expand the portfolio of properties, and today grandsons Douglas and Jonathan (Jody), who are cousins, serve as Co-Presidents of The Durst Organization. They are leading the industry in developing green towers, including the projects in the Museum’s exhibition: the Helena Apartments, 125 W. 31st Street, and the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park.

The history of high-performance high-rise design in the United States is less than a decade old and begins with The Durst Organization’s 48-story Condé Nast Building at 4 Times Square. Completed in 1999, America’s first green skyscraper was viewed by the industry as a visionary experiment and economic gamble. As others have followed their model of valuing energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and healthful interiors, The Durst Organization has set its standards even higher with the state-of-the art design and technology of the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park, the first skyscraper to strive for Platinum LEED rating.

The Skyscraper Museum’s GREEN TOWERS FOR NEW YORK: From Visionary to Vernacular surveys a new generation of skyscrapers recently completed or under construction in New York City that have embraced sustainability and green building strategies as a central tenet of their design. Ranging from high-profile corporate headquarters to speculative office towers, and from “green” apartment blocks to mixed-use and institutional projects, these buildings represent a leading edge of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility for high-rise architecture in the U.S. today. In conjunction with the exhibition, an 8-lecture series, “GREEN TEAMS: How Sustainability Succeeds in Business,” highlighted the creative collaboration among clients, developers, architects, and engineers of high-performance buildings.

honoring developer

LARRY SILVERSTEIN

Developer Larry Silverstein was recognized on Tuesday, May 15 at the presentation of The Skyscraper Museum’s 2007 Making New York History Award. Hosted in the Museum’s Battery Park City gallery, the 175 assembled guests were able to tour the new exhibition, World’s Tallest Building: Burj Dubai, as they celebrated one of New York’s most widely-recognized developers.

Silverstein is the fifth recipient of the award, which The Skyscraper Museum established in 1999 to honor outstanding individuals who have shaped the city’s skyline in three dimensions or in public perceptions.

Museum Director Carol Willis began the tributes by commenting on the differences in news, celebrity, and history. She cited the results of a Google search of the key terms “Silverstein + skyscrapers” which she compared with the names of other prominent New York developers. “Larry won by a mile,” she reported, and added, “Google records Larry’s status as a newsmaker and a celebrity, but tonight we also recognize him as a true history maker.’”

Distinguished guests offered toasts recognizing Silverstein’s commitment to the rebuilding of lower Manhattan. David M. Childs, Consulting Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and architect of Silverstein’s 7WTC and Freedom Tower, spoke of his longtime respect for Silverstein in a personal and professional capacity. “He’s become the great patron of skyscrapers with his work not only on 7WTC and the Freedom Tower, but on Towers Two, Three, and Four where he’s shown his commitment to hiring excellence. There’s nobody that’s been able to do that kind of honor to architecture and I must say art.”

Left to Right: Daniel Tishman, Carol Wills, Larry Silverstein, David Childs.

Daniel R. Tishman, CEO, Tishman Realty and Construction Corporation, who was a 2005 recipient of the Museum’s Making New York History Award, remarked on his long-time relationship with Silverstein. “He’s a remarkable developer; he’s a visionary, but from my perspective, there’s another part to Larry that’s unique in his industry. Larry’s an educator.”

Jed Marcus, Principal, Marcus Attorneys and Chair of the Board at The Skyscraper Museum saluted Silverstein for “remaking lower Manhattan in its former and future image.”

Amanda M. Burden, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission and Director of the Department of City Planning, sung praises in absentia through a letter read by David J. Burney, Chief Commissioner of the DDC. “Through your vision and resolve, 7 World Trade Center already stands as a testament to the commitment of Silverstein Properties to not just rebuild, but to create a new, vibrant new World Trade Center, raising the bar for commercial development citywide.”

Silverstein expressed his deepest appreciation at the honor of the award and the presence of the assembled friends and colleagues. “We’ve embarked upon the rebuilding of the Trade Center and with David’s assistance we ended up some choosing some wonderful people to help.” Silverstein spoke of his deep respect for Dan and John Tishman, builders of both the original World Trade Center, 7 WTC, and the buildings under construction, “Given the opportunity to do a building twice around, the second time, they do it even better.”

Silverstein concluded by thanking the efforts of his colleagues. “By 2012 the buildings will be done, the memorial will be done, the PATH terminal will be done; an extraordinary collection of talent will have gone into the redesign and rebuilding of the Trade Center. When we come back in 2012, let’s celebrate the completion of one hell of an effort.”

Also in attendance was Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

Silverstein Properties is recognized as one of New York’s most respected real estate development, ownership and management organizations. The firm has consummated in excess of 8 billion dollars in transactions, developed and/or improved more than 20 million square feet of real estate, and owns, manages and leases over 7 million square feet of prime office and residential space in Manhattan. Silverstein Properties is the developer of 7WTC, the Freedom Tower and the three other towers located at the World Trade Center site.

honoring Port Authority of New York and New Jersey,
its Chairman ANTHONY R. COSCIA and Executive Director CHRISTOPHER O. WARD

On Tuesday, June 17, The Skyscraper Museum recognized The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, its Chairman Anthony R. Coscia, and Executive Director Christopher O. Ward with the 2008 Making New York History Award. Hosted in the Museum's Battery Park City gallery, the 175 assembled guests were able to tour the current exhibition, New York Modern, as they celebrated one of New York's most influential institutions. The PANYNJ is the sixth recipient of the award, which The Skyscraper Museum established in 1999 to honor outstanding individuals who have shaped the city's skyline in three dimensions or in public perceptions.

Museum Director Carol Willis welcomed the assembled guests and cited the Port Authority's eight-decade history and many contributions to the urban fabric and infrastructure of the two states.

Distinguished guests offered toasts recognizing the PANYNJ's commitment to the city of New York. Robert Lieber, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development congratulated Mr. Coscia and Mr. Ward for their leadership and said he looked forward to the ambitious agenda that awaits their collaboration.

Left to right: Leslie E. Robertson, structural engineer; Robert Lieber, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development; Anthony Coscia, PANYNJ Chairman; Carol Willis, Director; Christopher Ward, PANYNJ Executive Director; Jed Marcus, Principal Attorney of Marcus Attorneys and Chair of the Board at The Skyscraper Museum

Structural engineer Leslie E. Robertson spoke of his experience as a young man working with the Port Authority on the original World Trade Center. Noting the presence of Guy Tozzoli, an engineer at the PANYNJ, Robertson recalled that "it was a young man's project," and that the Port Authority has remained a wonderful organization since that first encounter.

David M. Childs, Consulting Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and architect of 7WTC and Freedom Tower, spoke of the constant presence of the institution in the daily life of the city and that the level of endorsement from several diverse sectors of NYC is testament to its success in garnering support.

James Sanders, architect, author, and co-writer with Ric Burns, "New York: A Documentary," noted the unique historical role of the Port Authority and its innovative approach to shaping the city. "The Port is an extraordinary entity. Truly, the whole concept of what an urban region can be would not be the same without this institution."

Since its establishment in 1921, the Port Authority has been indispensable to the city's growth and future and that tradition continues with the Port's expansive initiatives throughout the region and the vital rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. Willis bestowed the awards to Mr. Coscia and Mr. Ward, announcing, "We're confident that 87-years later, the legacy of the leadership of the Port Authority is in good hands."

Museum Director Carol Willis also thanked JetBlue Airways for providing four pairs of round-trip tickets to any non-stop destination in the continental US as a door prize. Willis cited the airline's notable New York affiliation: "In particular, thank you even more to JetBlue for the superb restoration of the Eero Saarinen TWA Terminal at JFK, under the leadership of the Port Authority."

Left to right: Carol Willis, Director; Susan Kaplan, Director of Sustainable Development for the BPCA; James Cavanaugh, President & CEO of the BPCA

Also in attendance were Jim Cavanaugh, President of the Battery Park City Authority, David Burney, Commissioner of the Department of Design and Construction, and other public officials.

honoring The Battery Park City Authority
its Chairman JAMES F. GILL and President JAMES E. CAVANAUGH

At a festive party in its lower Manhattan gallery on June 16, The Skyscraper Museum presented the 2009 Making New York History Award to the Battery Park City Authority, citing the Authority's four decades of legacy and leadership in creating a new downtown community that has enhanced the New York skyline and created an unexcelled amenity of parks and public space. Chairman James F. Gill and President James E. Cavanaugh accepted the award for the BPCA. More than 150 guests, including many of the past presidents and chairman, architects, planners, and developers of the 92-acre community, joined in the salute.

From left to right: Alexander Cooper, Stan Eckstut, Barry Light, Meyer (Sandy) Frucher, Amanda Burden, Robert A.M. Stern, Russell Albanese, Phillip Aarons, James F. Gill, Jed Marcus, James E. Cavanaugh, Phillip Pitruzzello, and Tim Carey.

Museum Director Carol Willis welcomed the assembled guests and introduced a series of distinguished speakers who reminisced about their work with the Battery Park City Authority.

Amanda M. Burden, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission and Director of the Department of City Planning, spoke of her own experiences as a young urban designer, working in 1983 on the then sand pile of Battery Park City. She described how radical and progressive the plan of Battery Park City was at the time and recalled the dedication to design values in all facets, especially attention to texture, material, and detail.

 Bob Stern and Amanda Burden salute BPCA

Architect and Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, Robert A.M. Stern also toasted the original achievements and continuing evolution of Battery Park City, citing, in particular, the master plan and urban design guidelines of developed by the planners Alexander Cooper and Stan Eckstut, who now practice separately but were both present to receive the kudos. Bob Stern, who designed Tribeca Green in BPC, also noted how the plan continues to thrive as part of New York City.

Representing the developers' perspective were Russell Albanese of The Albanese Organization and Phillip Aarons of Millennium Partners, who developed The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences, home to The Skyscraper Museum, and Millennium Tower Residences. Mr. Albanese, whose company built BPC's first LEED-rated residential towers the Solaire and Verdisian and has just completed the Visionaire, cited the Authority's pioneering role in green building design and construction and praised their commitment to educating developers in that model and practice. Phil Aarons spoke of the Authority's skill in achieving a balance between public and private sectors, as well as in appreciating the value of quality architecture and of parks and public art to a community.

Phillip Aarons and Russell Albanese

In addition, on behalf of Governor Paterson, a letter of commendation was read by his New York City area representative Sandra Hawkins citing the historic significance of the transformation of lower Manhattan through the work of the Authority.

Carol Willis then presented the awards to Chairman James F. Gill and President James E. Cavanaugh. Both expressed immense delight and gratitude for the heartfelt tribute of so many colleagues and spoke of the hard work of staff over the decades. Jed Marcus, Chairman of The Skyscraper Museum Board of Directors, summed up the history as a "remarkable vision."

The ceremony concluded with a group portrait of the evening's speakers and past Presidents and Chairman of the Battery Park City Authority.

The Battery Park City Authority is the seventh recipient of the award, which The Skyscraper Museum established in 1999 to honor outstanding individuals who have shaped the city's skyline in three dimensions or in public perceptions.

The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is a New York State public benefit corporation whose mission is to plan, create, co-ordinate and maintain a balanced community of commercial, residential, retail, and park space within its designated 92-acre site on the lower west side of Manhattan. The Authority is founded on the core values of public and private partnerships, balance and aesthetics, environmental authority, and public benefit.

honoring The Empire State Building & Anthony E. Malkin

Tuesday, May 25, 2010
6:00 - 8:00 PM

On May 25, 2010 guests attended a festive cocktail party to salute New York's signature skyscraper, The Empire State Building, which received the Museum's 2010 Making New York History Award in honor of--in the tower's 79th year--the glorious restoration of its original Art Deco lobby and the beginning of a transformative "green" rejuvenation. Anthony Malkin, President of Malkin Holdings LLC and its affiliates Malkin Properties and W&H Properties accepted the award in the company of more than a hundred guests.

Museum Director Carol Willis began the toasts with an account of the Museum's special attachment to the Empire State Building, which includes its celebration of the tower's design and construction in its 1998 book and exhibition "Building the Empire State." She noted that while "any year is is the right time to honor New York's greatest skyscraper, the past year has been one of the tower's greatest, thanks to the leadership of Tony Malkin." His outstanding accomplishments encompass the oversight of the meticulous re-creation of the Art Deco lobby, honoring the building's past, and the commitment to the re-invention of the tower's identity as an energy-efficient, 21st-century landmark.

Saluting Tony's role as a steward of the Empire Stare Building's history was NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Chairman Robert Tierney, who praised his commitment to quality and clear passion for restoring the tower's authentic Art Deco materials and decoration. Adding to the praise was Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber, who emphasized Tony's remarkable vision and dedication to the project of "greening" of the skyscraper on a grand scale and of creating a replicable model for the industry at large.

Accepting the award, Tony Malkin spoke of his family's commitment to the Empire State ReBuilding project, which represents a $550 million commitment. The work is being accomplished with partners, the Clinton Climate Initiative, Johnson Controls, Jones Lang LaSalle, and the Rocky Mountain Institute, he continues to transform the Empire State Building into a 21st-century leader in environmental awareness and energy efficiency.