Susan McLaughlin

NEW YORK, Monday, November 10, 2008 - Students too young to remember the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center seven years ago saw the past and the future from where history continues to be made.

Most of the fourth-graders from the Red Bank Charter School gazed in awe at the city below them from the top floor of 7 World Trade Center Monday, from landmark buildings to the pit on one side of the new building, where considerable construction activity was going on.

The 52-story building rose from the rubble of the original 7 World Trade Center destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the twin towers.

It has become a classroom for students, who are learning about architecture, building design and what has been designated the city's first "green" building for its environmentally friendly features.

Each month, one grade from the Red Bank Charter School visits 7 World Trade Center in tours arranged by Dara McQuillan, vice president of communications and marketing for Silverstein Properties, owners and developers of World Trade Center 3, 4, 5 and 7.

McQuillan lives in Red Bank and has two daughters in the charter school. His youngest daughter, Trinity, has been coming to the site since she was 3.

Students can thank his daughters and their classmates for the idea of touring the gleaming stainless steel and glass tower.

"My two daughters have been part of it, and they love it. At 3, I'd take her (Trinity) to the construction site," McQuillan said. "Even at a young age, they get a kick out of building things."

The tour starts with a brief history lesson in the lobby, and McQuillan takes them directly to the 52nd floor, the top floor of the building which is currently open and serves as an informal observation deck.

From there, students saw the very tops of the World Financial Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and what is between other downtown towers. Some eagle-eyed students claimed to spot the apartment of singer Miley Cyrus, star of the "Hannah Montana" television show.

"I have never been up to a building that high or seen Manhattan from that high," Lola Todman, 9, of Red Bank said after the tour.

She said she learned about how much work it takes to build the Freedom Tower and other trade center buildings.

"It's very exciting to learn all of that," Lola said.

What building designers have learned since the terrorist attacks brought down the twin towers also was a topic for students, who were shown the extra-wide staircases, which have glow-in-the-dark striping to facilitate evacuations, and massive cylindrical support columns soaring upward in the lobby.

"We talked about the lessons we learned from9/11," McQuillan said.

Maya Kelly, 9, of Red Bank said that was one of the things she learned from the outing.

"When you build tall buildings, they have to be secure," Maya said.

Monday was Maya's first trip to a building that high, and she admitted to having butterflies in her stomach - not from the direct elevator ride from the lobby to the 52nd floor, but from looking out the larger windows.

"The view was wonderful," Maya said. "My stomach flipped over just looking down."

Maya said she isn't ready to commit to working in a tall tower in the future, at least not yet.

But Chris Outterbridge said he might consider it, noting that the view and watching the construction workers on the job were his favorite things about the trip.

"We went to the top floor, saw the Statue of Liberty, Police Plaza and the people who are building the Freedom Tower," said Chris, 9, of Red Bank. "It was fun."

The fourth-graders are the youngest class from the charter school to tour 7 World Trade Center. McQuillan said he tailors his presentation for each grade. Even at that age, the pupils have an understanding of what they see when they tour the studios set up by owner Larry Silverstein for designers of the Freedom Tower and other buildings to be constructed at the site of the original trade center, he said.

"They have a sophisticated level of understanding about what architects do, the models (of buildings), how we select materials," McQuillan said. "In all grades, we notice an interest in sustainable designs."

In the design center, McQuillan explained the work of architects, showed the plans they drew and artists' renderings of the buildings to sprout from the site of the twin towers.

This was also an interactive tour during which students were shown - and in some cases allowed to handle - models of the buildings and examined samples of different materials used for floors, wall coverings, doors and elevator interiors.

The trips to 7 World Trade Center allow the students to apply all their subject areas and expose them to possible career choices in the future, said Meredith Pennotti, charter school principal.

"It's heightened their awareness, especially those who live close to Manhattan," McQuillan said. "I wouldn't be surprised if these children wind up working here."

Just two weeks ago, the entire building was filled with scaffolding and we wondered how the contractors could keep their promise of being ready for the October 30th Grand Reopening. They did it and they did it on time!

I got the chance to tour the Count Basie Theater on Wednesday evening at a reception the day before the public unveiling of the 8 million dollar renovations. Almost 300 locals turned out, marveling at the artistry, recounting favorite moments at the Basie, but the focus was the grand theater itself. We craned our necks to see the skylit dome, which is truly magnificent, then climbed to the balcony to get a closer look at this work of art.

Here's a view from the "Basie Cam" which broadcasted a new photo of the renovations every 15 minutes, day and night through the renovation process. See the new chandelier lowered on a winch, getting fitted with lightbulbs for the grand opening.

The interior is so rich, the colors so warm, replacing the falling plaster of last May. I looked to find familiar details like the tiara of seashells over the stage, now gilded instead of chipped. The walls were formerly painted a flat beige and a net was suspended from the ceiling to keep plaster from dropping on patrons. The theater has been restored to glory, worthy of this wonderful place that has hosted entertainment since 1926.

Last year over 194,000 people attended more than 200 shows at the Count Basie Theatre - expect that number to increase this year with the talent packed calendar, starting off at the Grand Re-Opening with the Sold Out Bobby Bandiera's Jersey Shore Rock-N-Soul Revue, kicking off 40 shows in the next 40 nights. Then on to Tony Bennett, Dion, Southside Johnny, and the B-52s. Grab yourself some tickets and I'll see you at the Basie!

Here's more photos:

This is the best of the Jersey Shore... Why wait for the weekends? You can live the relaxed waterfront lifestyle in a sophisticated, vibrant community just a 34 minute ferry ride from the city.

Nothing else comes close to the luxury of Corinthian Cove Townhomes on the Navesink River. Carefree townhouse living without giving up a private entrance and spaciousness that you want. Fine entertaining spaces, indoor and out.....

Nantucket Shingle style townhome, rich with architectural detailing. Featuring roof lines accented with cupolas, corbels and copper detailing, these residences resemble favorite Jersey Shore beach houses.

The spectacular "Resolute" model features 3,461 square feet of interior space and 900 square feet of outdoor terraces..... Cherry floors throughout......The main living level features an open floor plan: spacious kitchenwith Viking range, dining room with coffered ceiling, columns and living room with fireplace. French Doors open from this Great Room to a thirty-five by twenty foot brick terrace.

There is a full floor Master Bedroom suite with balcony, fireplace, sitting room and spectacular steam shower bath. Panoramic views stretch from the Molly Pitcher Inn almost five miles down the Navesink River.

The list of quality features goes beyond the level of decorating finish and includes an interior sprinkler system and fiber optic phone lines. The list price includes a private elevator, granite kitchen, marble master bath, recessed lighting, security system, central vacuum, garage door openers, all stainless appliances: Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer..........

"Resolute" also has a direct entry two car oversized garage and two guest parking spots. <br><br> Little Silver based Argonaut, Inc., an award winning national commercial building firm, has engaged the finest local providers for kitchen, bath and technology installations.

Walk to train, restaurants, waterfront parks, outdoor cafes and live music in the neighborhood that New Jersey Monthly magazine calls "New Jersey's Best Downtown"..... Hop on parkway or take the Sea Streak or NY Waterways luxury commuter ferry to New York - it's just 34 minutes to Wall Street with Midtown East and West stops, too.

This is the last beautiful townhouse! Originally priced at $2.1 million, the builder has just reduced to an amazing $1,750,000. The others all sold at full price + upgrades, now the upgrades are already in....... Hurry!

p.s. If you like the real estate "e-card" I put together, email me and I'll get you a free one for your favorite property!

It's a beautiful day in Fair Haven, so I thought I'd share a few favorite photos that I've taken of the river.

Fair Haven is a small town on the Navesink River, right between Red Bank and Rumson, known for it's picturesque neighborhoods with picket fences and small town atmosphere. It's a town where kids walk to top rated schools and ride their bikes to friends' houses. When the kids are a little older, they're off on bikes to sail or ride into Red Bank to see a movie.

It's like a town you'd remember from the 1950s where volunteerism is alive and well, full of green parks, where people have good neighbors in a laid back atmosphere. It's why I chose to raise my family here. If you'd like to bring your family to Fair Haven, just give me a call at 732-233-0294. I'll be happy to show you the neighborhoods and get you started enjoying one very special little town. I've been a local for 36 years, so I sure know the ins and outs and can guide you to a fine purchase or assist you in selling your home.

I'm off to host an Open House, but I'm going to cross the river where the dolphins are playing. We've been fortunate to have a pod of 15-20 dolphins - with baby calves, too - in the river since June 15th.

All photos Copyright Susan McLaughlin

Red Bank is the cultural as well as the financial center of the Jersey Shore. Finding great stuff to do just became easier today with the debut of "Red Bank Orbit". Our friends over at RedBankGreen.com just launched their partner site.

From RedBankGreen publisher John T. Ward:

"Today, redbankgreen marks its first significant expansion with the launch of Red Bank oRBit, a new website dedicated to comprehensive coverage of the local arts, food, entertainment and amusements scenes.

What's driving this move? The wealth of events, eateries, artists, interesting shops and other distractions in the Red Bank area."

Check out Red Bank Green for hyperlocal news and Red Bank orbit for advance word on who's playing where. Count on me for the inside track in real estate, count on Red Bank orbit for what to do when you get to town.

Photo Copyright Susan McLaughlin 2008