World Trade Center - Planning and Construction, 1

As the World Trade Center was built, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey filmed its progress.  After the plans for the huge project were ready, significant site preparation included digging to bedrock - seven stories below ground.

The center's architect, Minoru Yamasaki, believed that downtown Manhattan was the perfect place to erect the towers.  He said there "wasn't a single building worth saving in the neighborhood."  (The area’s neighbors disagreed with that description.)

Watch the trade center come to life as the narrator explains why the project was undertaken and how it was built.

Credits

This documentary was made, in 1983, by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

It contains footage of the twin towers during their construction years - from the mid 60s through the early 70s.

Port Authority documentary, part one.