See the results of GlobeSt.com's latest QUICK SURVEY (click on: Rebuild the World Trade Center!)

met with a record number of respondents expressing their views on rebuilding the Trade Center in the essay space we provide at the end of every survey.

Needless to say, most of the comments could not be contained in the results report itself. While the following compilation of comments is by no means complete, it is offered to provide a wider range of the thoughts our industry shares in these days of mourning, rebuilding and redefining. (Note: in all responses, emphasis through capitalization or exclamation points was that of the respondents.)

"The WTC should be rebuilt, although I question the wisdom of taking it to the same heights. The redesign will certainly require formidable structural integrity, enhanced fire protection, and significant escape capability."

"Yes, it should be rebuilt. Taller."

"In response to the attacks, I would like to see the towers re-built as they were. However, particular companies with large numbers of employees at one location can not help but think that high-rise trophy buildings might not be the best decision."

"No. I believe it should be considered sacred ground, a memorial to the many that lost their lives."

"Whether or not the trade center should be rebuilt is based upon one important formula: are the benefits of rebuilding higher than the costs? It is the same concept that decides almost any human action. If the developer can rent the new space at high enough prices to get a profitable rate of return, then he should rebuild. No other concept should be considered. Why? Because any negative influence from September 11, 2001 will be reflected in the rental rates achievable in the new building. My guess is that there will be a new office building built, but it will not end up being as tall. Unless the government subsidizes its redevelopment."

"It should NOT be re-built. Who in their right mind would want to work in a high-rise in New York City?

"The destruction of the WTC is a disaster because of the loss of life and disruption of so many other lives. This is not an endorsement of the architecture. The buildings never fit the New York City skyline, and I think most architects would agree."

"It should be rebuilt to prove to the world that we are not afraid."

"If it is rebuilt, it will have problems re-leasing. I would quit a firm rather than be housed at the WTC."

"NO! It is now holy ground."

"In Pearl Harbor, we learned that we should not have all our fleet in one port. Now, I hope we have learned that we should not have all major financial or government centers located in one city or part of it.""They should definitely rebuild the Trade Center, bigger and better. However, we need to learn from the mistakes from the past and consider market conditions. Last time it took us almost 10 years to rent the buildings and only the Port Authority leasing space bailed us out. Emotionally we are all behind Larry [Silverstein] rebuilding, however, will the market support the new construction when the dust settles and we evaluate the demographic, financial and economic conditions?"

"I would say no to the rebuild. Make it a memorial plaza. I think the day of the super skyscraper is over."

"It should definitely be rebuilt Tall buildings are the only way we can effectively use the limited land resources available to sustain the economic growth of the future."

Finally, it should be noted that many responses--especially those that cried for a rebuild of the former structures--ended with: "God Bless America!

Instant Insights /

GlobeSt.com UPDATE: Survey Respondents Speak out on WTC Rebuild

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