Legal Disputes Delay Ground Zero Development

Legal disputes between a property owner and insurance providers stand to delay the implementation of Libeskind's masterplan for the Ground Zero site.

1 minute read

August 14, 2003, 8:00 AM PDT

By Connie Chung


"Deutsche Bank AG, Europe's second-largest bank by assets, filed a lawsuit against Allianz AG and Axa SA, Europe's biggest insurers, over plans to demolish its lower Manhattan tower damaged in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks." Deutsche asserts that their insurance providers should "cover their portion of the costs associated with replacing the building, including the cost of a safe and environmentally responsible demolition of the building." However, the insurance providers "refused to pay their half of the building's $1.72 billion of coverage" claiming that the building is salvageable. "Resolving the litigation is important because architect Daniel Libeskind, whose master plan has been selected for the trade center site, incorporated the...property into his design. It would help ease crowding at Ground Zero, where a 1,776-foot tower, transportation center, four office buildings, retail and cultural space and a memorial are planned. The land where the bank tower stands would be used for an underground truck service area and a new tower."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Tuesday, August 12, 2003 in The Boston Globe

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog