2,500 employees have moved back into the space since late April, and a total of 4,000 workers will be arrive over the next several weeks, a spokesperson for Tishman tells GlobeSt.com.

"The courage and pride exemplified by this company has also been shown in the commitments made by American Expressand Merrill Lynch, and also by retailers J&R Records and Century 21 returning to Lower Manhattan," said Gov. Pataki. The event marked the most recent vote of confidence for an economic and cultural resurgence Downtown. Pataki called the Bank of New York "a symbol of enduring strength and freedom, and American enterprise."

Bank of New York chairman and CEO Thomas A. Renyi called the renovation "one of the largest business recoveries ever undertaken." The company lost three employees in the Sept. 11 attacks.

A prepared statement by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was read by John Fair, executive vice president of the Economic Development Corp. Apologizing for the Mayor's absence, Fair quipped to the crowd, "If you can just imagine me a little shorter, smarter and $4 billion richer, I'll begin the speech."

Bloomberg's statement predicted the Bank of New York opening would bring back much-needed customers to stores and restaurants in the area. "The Bank's determination to remain in New York City is a shining example of good corporate citizenship," said the Mayor.

The repair and interior fit-out undertaking included a replacement of 1,642 glass panels destroyed on Sept. 11 and 60,000 sf of sheetrock in the building's cellar "A" level, replaced after sustaining extensive water damage. A new entrance was built on the building's north side on Murray St., as the former main entrance was destroyed in the attacks. Additional work was also done to renovate the 305-foot atrium where the event was held. A large American flag decorates the new façade.

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP were the architects on the project, while LawGibbs acted as environmental and structural consultants. Cost of the renovation was undisclosed.

The Bank of New York opened its doors in Lower Manhattan on June 9, 1784 and has had a presence in the city ever since. In the post-Revolutionary era, it was the first bank in the city, and was among the first in the nation to mint its own coins. Alexander Hamilton wrote the Bank's constitution in 1784. In the 1990s, the company moved into its current headquarters at One Wall St.

Instant Insights /

BNY Building Reopens Following Post-Attack Renovations

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