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Rising Characters

Michael Arad - Architect, Memorial
When his design for the WTC Memorial won out over 5200 others, Arad was working for the NYC Housing Authority, designing police stations. He is the son of an Israeli diplomat to the United States who grew up in Jerusalem and served in the Israeli army. On 9/11 he was a recent emigrant to New York, and believes sharing in the tragic experience "made him a New Yorker." Arad originally wanted his two waterfall voids to be built in the Hudson River, but moved them to the site to conform with Daniel Libeskind's master plan.

Lee Ielpi - Founder, WTC Tribute Center
Lee is a retired firefighter from Long Island, whose son, also a firefighter, was lost on 9/11. Ever since, Lee has tirelessly campaigned to educate people about what happened that day, encouraging all who will listen to "learn from the mistakes of yesterday, so tomorrow can be a better day." He spent nine months "on the pile" helping with the recovery, during which he recovered his son's body. For that he considers himself "blessed." Lee also founded a group for 9/11 families, and serves on the board of directors for the Memorial and Museum.

Daniel Libeskind - WTC Master Planner
A Polish-American immigrant who was born just after WWII to two Holocaust survivors, Libeskind has long been respected within the architectural community for his edgy abstract designs. When he emerged as the winner of the WTC design competition in early 2003, he immediately became a household name. In the years since, his central role has been compromised by the emergence of other architects and forces beyond his control, but he is still the official Master Planner of Ground Zero, and his master plan is still the foundation on which the entire site is based.

Brian Lyons - Project Superintendent, Transit Hub
Brian watched the towers fall from his office window. His younger brother Michael was a firefighter who died there. Brian immediately quit his job to help with the recovery at the site. He spent nine months "on the pile," and was there when his brother's remains were found. Ever since, he has worked on the reconstruction in various ways. He is on his 12th pair of work boots, and pledges to be here until it’s all done.

Michael Pinelli - General Superintendent, Tower One
Mike's first job in construction was building the original 7 WTC in the 1980s. That building was the last to fall on 9/11, and Mike returned to rebuild it from 2003-2006. Now, he is the site boss at Tower One, overseeing all phases of construction from soup to nuts.