Following the destruction of the World Trade Center and the surrounding area of Lower Manhattan from the terrorist attack of 9/11/2001 there were many heroic and extensive efforts to rebuild this iconic urban area in New York City. Political accomplishments, economic recovery, and community rehabilitation were urgent and important concerns and were continually monitored and debated. Supporting this progress and restoration of the critical infrastructure and built environment, however, was a vast and varied gathering of legislative bodies, public institutions, interest groups, and private individuals and entities. This is their story.

This book commences with a damage assessment of the immediate aftermath of the attack, describing the extent of destruction to the physical environment—buildings, public places, subway and train stations, roads and sidewalks—and the adverse consequences for the metropolitan economy, local businesses, communities, and families. Then, the story of the long route to recovery is presented, from early visionary intentions through brilliant leadership that confronted daunting bureaucratic procedures, to community voices achieving significant outcomes and eventually to an effective and exemplary partnership of public and private interests, that has produced the current vibrant urban center of downtown New York 23 years later.

Of particular interest to researchers, students, and practitioners of urban development and planning, 20+ Years of Urban Recovery contributes to current research on the urban development crisis by focusing on the unique features in rebuilding urban centers following an unforeseen event of major devastation.