One of the last remaining pieces from the ruins of the World Trade Center has a new home in Miami.
A 15-foot-high concrete and steel sculpture in the back of 1814 Brickell Park, the city’s newest park, was designed by artist Christian Bernard.
“It has taken this area 22 years to get this green space here on Brickell Avenue,” said Arnesto Custa, president of the Brickell Home Owners Association.
The piece of property now memorializes the 9/11 tragedy with a celebration of life and of those who sacrificed their lives in an attempt to save others on that fateful day.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez used to be a firefighter and fire chief for the city of Miami. He lost a friend on Sept. 11, 2001, and said Thursday's dedication has a lot of meaning for him.
“This memorial holds personally for me, and it's significant in my professional life and my personal life," the mayor said.
Park visitor Tony Garcia said, “There is a direct correlation between New York and Miami. We have a lot of people that live here that come here from New York, and I think that it’s a constant reminder of what we cannot let happen again."
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The 35,500-square-foot 1814 Brickell Park took a year to build at an estimated cost of more than $1 million. The family park includes lush landscaped areas, an elevated central grass court and a fenced-in children’s play area.
The memorial was made possible when Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff commissioned Bernard to create the sculpture after receiving the donation from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Miami real estate developer Timbor Hollo and his wife Sheila donated $250,000 to acquire the parkland.
“Sixty-four percent of revenues of the city come from this area. In this area, more than ever there are families with kids. The kids we see in the streets right now that will be visiting this park, will be the next leaders of the city of Miami," Custa said.
