Two decades ago the world looked on as the worst attack on American soil unfolded. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 led to one of the most extensive, massive, and expensive construction undertakings in human history. 20-years later, the rebuilding of what has become known as ground zero continues.
It took one year of around-the-clock cleanup to get Lower Manhattan ready for rebuilding. In the end, it's estimated 1.8 million tons of scrap metal was moved from the site.
It took many years, but eventually Lower Manhattan once again regained prominence as one of the city's iconic locations, though now its tragic history has new profound meaning.
Finished projects include Memorial Plaza with two reflecting pools, One World Trade Center, and a 9/11 Memorial Museum. Developers say two skyscrapers, a performing arts center and a church are still unfinished at the site.
The estimated cost of what has been completed so far is around $15 billion.
Another tower, raising as much as 80 stories, is in the planning stage. Developer Larry Silverstein has said he wants to sign a tenant for the tower before starting construction.
After years of delays, the Performing Arts Center is under construction and is scheduled to open in 2023 where performances will take place on the building's top floor.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, which was the only house of worship destroyed in the attacks, is now being constructed after years of delays.
The building is going up near the southeast corner of ground zero above Memorial Plaza. The church will be surrounded by a public park and feature a Byzantine-style dome. The church is expected to be finished in the next year.
Construction of the tower meant to replace the Deutsche Bank building has yet to begin. The original building was demolished in 2011.
