New PATH Terminal for the World Trade Center

 by Etta Sanders

The new PATH terminal for the World Trade Center site will land astride Church Street like a glass-and-steel bird with up-stretched wings.

The open and airy building, designed by 52-year-old Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, will also have connections to the proposed Fulton transit hub with links to 14 subway lines, as well as to the World Financial Center and future airport rail service.
Santiago Calatrava at the unveiling of his design for the PATH station.
Rendering of interior of the 200,000-square-foot multi-level terminal.. Photo Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Stretching from Fulton to Dey streets, the 200,000 square foot multi-level terminal will be constructed, Calatrava said, "of steel, glass, concrete and light." That light will reach 60 feet below ground to the train platforms. The soaring "wings" will rise to 150 feet and provide shelter to pedestrians.

Calatrava unveiled his design on Jan. 22 at the World Financial Center's Winter Garden.
Rendering of PATH station on World Trade Center site, due for completion in 2009. Photo: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

Oriented along the "wedge of light" outlined in Daniel Libeskind's master plan for the site, the pointed dome roof will be able to open, allowing a view of the sky. Calatrava suggested that by opening the roof each Sept. 11, "the building itself will embody the memory."

"Wow is the first word that's just got to come to your mind," said Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, speaking at the unveiling ceremony. When the curtain was pulled aside to reveal a color rendering of the sculptural design, the audience concurred, giving Calatrava a standing ovation.

Calatrava explained his inspiration through pictures. Using blue and brown pastels he sketched an elegant line drawing of a child releasing a bird. He then drew the bird superimposed over the shape of the building.

Bloomberg applauded Calatrava's vision for both its beauty, and as a symbol of Downtown revitalization. "A building that appears to take flight," said Bloomberg, "just like the neighborhoods it serves."

Construction of the PATH terminal may begin by early next year, with expected completion in 2009. There will be no interruption of existing transit service, according to Anthony Cracchiolo, director of priority capital programs at the Port Authority, but there will be traffic disruptions. One lane of Church Street will likely need to be closed during some of the construction. The estimated $2 billion cost will be paid for with $1.7 billion of federal funds and the Port Authority's insurance proceeds from the destruction of the old PATH station.

Libeskind, who worked with Calatrava on how the terminal would integrate into the master plan for the site, called the design "significant, meaningful and beautiful". He also praised it as an enhancement to the neighborhood he will soon call home.

"When you live here, you'll see this everyday," he said.