For anyone that has recently visited Lower Manhattan’s Ground Zero, signs that things are changing are becoming more and more apparent.
Gone is the flat, lifeless pit that had become more of an eyesore than anyone’s idea of hallowed ground. Today, signs of progress finally signal an end in sight to the construction of the planned memorial garden and “World Trade Center One” tower that have been designed to replace the fallen Twin Towers.
STV Group Inc., a firm representing the Port Authority (which owns the World Trade Center Site) on the construction of the new memorial and skyscraper, is headed by MC alum Milo Riverso, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College’s School of Engineering in 1981.
In the years since September 11, critics have accused developers of taking too long on deciding on a feasible plan and getting reconstruction of the World Trade Center underway. According to Riverso, who has been president of STV since last year, getting everyone to agree on a plan for the site took time.
“A lot of consensus had to be built between the community and political groups,” Riverso remarked in a gruff, matter-of-fact tone at the beginning of his phone interview with the Quadrangle. He added that while it may not have been as noticeable up until recently, the actual construction has been in full swing for more than two years.
While the completion of the 1,776 foot tower (a number intended as a symbol of America’s freedom) isn’t set for until 2013, the actual memorial is scheduled to finish in time for the tenth anniversary of the attacks next year. This memorial will include a museum, a garden designed as a tribute to the attack’s victims as well as two square fountains that will be built into the original towers’ “footprints.” The glass skyscraper will not only be New York City’s tallest, but the entire country’s as well.
STV is also contributing to some of the site’s less publicized structures. Riverso’s firm is doing consulting work on a state-of-the-art transportation hub designed by world-famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava that will give commuters access to both PATH and MTA train service. A vehicle security center that will serve as a checkpoint for all vehicles entering the World Trade Center is also in the works.
When asked about the impact Manhattan College has had on his career, Riverso became more enthusiastic, expressing nothing but appreciation towards his alma mater.
“I not only got a great engineering degree, but a great network of Manhattan College alumni to work with,” said Riverso, who commented that his firm has hired many MC graduates in recent years.
“It’s a great school, great alumni, and a great education,” he said, finishing the interview sounding a little less like a corporate executive and a little more like a grateful student.
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