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New York, NY-At a dedication ceremony held today at Millennium Park in Downtown Manhattan, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Downtown Alliance Chairman Robert Douglass commemorated David Rockefeller for his contributions to New York City. The Mayor unveiled a 15'-4", four-sided bronze pedestal clock, which was taken from the original mold of the classic E. W. Howard Post Clock. The clock is designed in a traditional Heritage/Courthouse Style that was manufactured between 1850 and 1920. The clock is raised on a small granite base on which a bronze commemorative plaque is placed. The entire structure weighs approximately 3,500 pounds. "This clock is dedicated to David Rockefeller, a man who has given the better part of his life to ensuring that Lower Manhattan remains a vibrant commercial and civic center," said Mayor Giuliani. "As a leader of Chase Bank in the 1950's, David was instrumental in convincing the bank to build its new headquarters in Lower Manhattan. Later, as Chairman of the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association, David was the driving force behind plans to develop the South Street Seaport, build Battery Park City and construct the World Trade Center. The revitalized Lower Manhattan that New Yorkers know today bears the mark of his planning and vision, and it is only appropriate that this clock, located in Millennium Park, be dedicated to a man who has contributed so much." Working closely with George Vellonakis, the architect of City Hall Park, clock creator Canterbury Designs strove not only to maintain the integrity and design of this tradition clock, but also to ensure it was harmonious with the 19th century design of the newly restored City Hall Park. "The installation of this clock has provided the opportunity for all of us Downtown to say a most well-deserved "thank you" to David Rockefeller, a man who has done more for Downtown, over a longer period, than anyone," said Robert R. Douglass. "From his time as assistant to another indomitable mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia, to his years as head of the Chase and the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association, David's vision, perseverance and great skill laid the groundwork for today's success." The clock denotes the entrance to Downtown and provides a sense of arrival and welcome as millions of people every year cross the threshold into the greatest financial district in the world. It is a gift from the Downtown Alliance to New York City to mark the heroic efforts the mayor has undertaken to rescue downtown from the brink of collapse to the thriving economic engine it is today. "My first job right after completing graduate school in 1940 was with Mayor LaGuardia at City Hall," said David Rockefeller. "Following 3 ½ years of wartime service in the Army, I went to work for the Chase National Bank at 18 Pine Street, where I remained for 35 years. I still return frequently to Lower Manhattan, even thought my office is in Rockefeller Center so my working life has revolved around this area. Our great city was born in Lower Manhattan, and I believe it will always be its vibrant financial center. I applaud Mayor Giuliani's decision to restore City Hall Park and I am honored that the Downtown Alliance, led by its Chairman, Bob Douglass, donated this magnificent clock in my name." The clock is one element of the Downtown New York Street Scape Plan, a comprehensive program that includes the installation of new wayfinding and traffic signs, new street furniture, new street lighting, and the reconstruction of Broadways sidewalks and curbs. Ultimately, the new street scape will communicate the spirit of Downtown as a place that combines the best of the city's past with the technological promise of its future, and will create a more welcoming place for people to work, live and visit. Photo: © Tom Bernardin, November 2000. |
