Year after year, plans to build a cultural institution on the World Trade Center site percolated, only to then fizzle out.
The International Freedom Center, the Joyce Theater, the Drawing Center, the Signature Theater, New York City Opera, a design by Frank Gehry — all were discussed as possibilities, but none went anywhere.
Now, two decades after the 2003 master plan for ground zero called for a cultural component, a performing arts center is finally preparing to open there in September.
The center, which will ultimately cost $500 million — more than twice what was projected in 2016 — is now on track to have a ribbon cutting on Sept. 13.
“I can afford it,” Mr. Bloomberg said of his largess during a recent hard hat tour of the center.
Persons:
Frank Gehry —, Ronald O, Perelman, Michael R, Barbra Streisand, —, “, ” Mr, Bloomberg, ”
Organizations:
World Trade, Freedom Center, Joyce Theater, New York City Opera, Bloomberg
Locations:
New York