NEWS |
141-99: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , November 30, 1999
The Association recognized Mr. Boyle for the World Trade Center's renaissance, including the newly refurbished Austin J. Tobin Plaza, unprecedented attendance at an expanded season of free world-class entertainment, and record sales reported by new stores and restaurants.
These improvements "have contributed immeasurably to the turnaround of Downtown, and our goal of transforming the neighborhood into a 24-hour/7-day-a-week community," said Robert Douglass, Chairman of the Association, which has been at the forefront of major development in Downtown Manhattan since its founding in 1958.
"I'm proud of the Port Authority's hard-working and professional staff, which has boosted World Trade Center occupancy rates to record levels, remade the mall into Downtown's premier shopping center, and redesigned the World Trade Center's plaza to serve the public as a vibrant town square," Mr. Boyle said.
"Under the management of the Port Authority's Real Estate and World Trade Center staffs, the complex has been rejuvenated," Mr. Boyle said. "Now it's time for the Port Authority to return to its primary mission of transportation and trade, as directed by Governors Pataki and Whitman. Under private-sector management, the World Trade Center's role as a generator of jobs and economic activity - for Downtown, the City and the entire region - will assuredly continue."
The Port Authority is seeking a private operator for the World Trade Center, the world's largest commercial office complex.
Tonight's event also recognized the Port Authority's Real Estate and World Trade departments - particularly the work of Retail Leasing Manager Tim Sheehan and General Property Manager Lou Menno.
The Port Authority completed a $12 million renovation of the plaza in June - just in time for "OnStage! At The Twin Towers," which drew 250,000 spectators to more than 70 free performances on the plaza from June through September. OnStage! featured the new "Evening Stars" series, which included world premieres by the Limón Dance Company and performances by violinist Eileen Ivers and the Philip Glass Ensemble.
The Port Authority will hopefully add even more events next summer, Mr. Boyle said tonight.
Retailers and restaurants at the World Trade Center enjoyed a 26-percent increase in sales in June, compared to the same period the prior year. The World Trade Center is home to more than 80 shops and restaurants in Downtown Manhattan's largest indoor mall.