2007:
Larry Silverstein

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.