Work on the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is finally coming to a close on the verge of the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and developed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the white marble-clad structure is prominently perched atop Liberty Park just south of the original World Trade Center complex in the Financial District, and is the long-awaited replacement for the former church of the same name that was destroyed by the collapse of the South Tower on 9/11.
At the time of our last update in late June, workers were in the process of finishing the western elevation, where the main entrance sits beneath a pleated glass curtain wall featuring a pattern of crosses. Since then, the remainder of the exterior work has concluded and the cross-topped dome shines brightly in the morning sunlight.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
The side staircase along Liberty Street is complete with sidewalk barriers, fencing, and leftover equipment waiting to be cleared away for imminent public access.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
Below are photographs of two etched stones flanking the front doors. One has a simple design of the dome and name of the church, while the other stone is inscribed with the words, “To all those who gave their last full measure – Eternal memory,” and a following quote from Evangelist John: “Greater love has no one than this, to sacrifice your life for your friends.” John 15:13. There is an English and Greek translation.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
Some finishing touches are still concluding, including the frontage along Liberty Street beneath an arch in the wall. This will likely serve as a secondary entrance for the facility.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
Landscaping and flowers cover the sloped terrain around the edges of the building. One World Trade Center stands prominently in the background when walking up the ADA-accessible ramps and steps.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
The following close-up photographs show various lighting conditions and the shadows cast across the marble surfaces.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Photo by Michael Young
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It’s weird to think it’s nearly twenty one years since the September 11th attacks. That day started with a lone church converted apartment building, surrounded by a parking lot. Now, a beautiful park sits in this spot, wonderfully integrated with the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Though controversial, I really like the new church. It evokes a sense of beauty and rebuilding. I can’t wait to see it in person.
I’m under medical and now recovering, so looking to all new views on the Church. Beautiful with the tenderness of marble colors, and One World Trade Center stands I can’t control myself to ignore its angle: Thanks to Michael Young.
Just at the moment, a bit too much still like a bunker. Hopefully, some ‘life’ in and around, will change that.
Was looking forward to it being illuminated from within. Maybe next time. Beautiful all the same.
The entry almost looks like an Art Deco theater entrance. Hopefully the soft marble won’t prove a maintenance nightmare.
I will need to see this in person.
It is disgraceful that this little church held up so much of the rebuilding process for so many years. It is one of Calatrava’s worst buildings. It is squat and unappealing, and will not age well in the city and sea air. Once again, religion mucks up the works.
Good lord in heaven, it looks well constructed, but looks like a utility building, a Soviet era cooling tower for a nuclear power plant, an architect myself, I’m befuddled as to the design impetus, why not have stained glass elements or at least more natural light as well as more holistically integrated landscape architecture🤷♂️
Looks like a tomb. Clear glass would have been much nicer.
I will agree, that would’ve been nice.
It is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see it illuminated.
For those who haven’t seen this illuminated at night (as it’s been from time to time), you’re missing a whole other way to see this building. It’s magnificent.
So, to recap: Some love it, some hate it, and nobody said, “Meh.” Seems like the architectural sweet spot to me! 🎯
The interior here would be nice to see..especially, how it is lit. Might change some minds.