The new building was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, who created the soaring white bird-like shopping centre and transit hub nearby called the Oculus.
But unlike the transit hub, built largely with federal transportation money, the church is being funded through donations including from the Greek government, Greek Orthodoxchurch members around the world, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and the Italian city of Bari, whose patron saint is St Nicholas.
In September, the estimated cost was 50 million dollars (£37.8 million), but according to The New York Times, which first reported the work suspension, the cost had jumped to an estimated 72 million (£53.8m) to 78 million (£58.3m) as of this month.
“Out of the Ashes, a symbol of our faith” #RebuildStNicholas pic.twitter.com/Vo9Yw0BbuW
— Saint Nicholas WTC (@StNicholasWTC) March 15, 2017
Two firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers and BakerHostetler, were hired to perform an independent investigation into the construction, according to a statement posted on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on December 9.
The stoppage was ordered by the construction company on the project, Skanska USA, the statement said.
“The archdiocese is confidently hopeful that construction will recommence in the very near future and has been assured by Skanska … that they are looking forward to the rescinding of this temporary suspension to continue working together in cooperation…
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