The memorial -- created by STRIGA GA, a design collaborative based in Nassau County -- is one that embodies the sentiments and emotions of county residents, as well as the theme requested by the memorial committee: “A place to remember; a place to reflect.â€
Laticrete International of Bethany, CT, has pledged to donate the tile and stone installation materials to ensure that the memorial lasts a lifetime. Installation materials include a slurry bond coat Laticrete® 4237 Latex Thin-Set Mortar Additive, Laticrete 211 Crete Filler Powder, Laticrete 3701 Mortar Admix, Laticrete 226 Thick Bed Mortar, Laticrete 9235 Waterproofing Membrane, Laticrete SpectraLOCK™ Grout and Laticrete Latasil Tile and Stone Sealants.
Project Architect Phil Gavosto chose the Laticrete system of products for this memorial for their strength and durability. “I have used Laticrete products for many years,†said Gavosto. “There are no other products I would trust for this memorial. There must be no leaks and no cracking.â€
The Nassau County 9/11 Memorial Project carves out the designated space at Eisenhower Park. The central focus of the memorial is two interconnected polished aluminum towers that are constructed from aluminum struts that rise some 30-plus feet above the reflection pool. The interlocking towers will be semi-transparent depicting the moniker that has been a fixture of the New York City skyline.
The towers will be placed upon a raised base of polished Black Absolute granite, which also makes up the floor of the reflecting pool. The outside of the pool's vertical base sides and the seating area will be designed of red flamed treated granite. The pool will also contain a water feature of narrow vertical fountains to create a background of water sounds. All other walking surfaces in the memorial will be concrete.
The first feature of the memorial is a cast plaque briefly describing the events of the 9/11 story. The short narrative will conclude with a quote by President George W. Bush.
The next feature immediately noticeable is one of the two steel artifacts salvaged from the trade center affixed in the pavement surrounded by a starburst cobble configuration.
The reflecting pool is located at the center of the memorial in an irregular shape to represent the lower geographic perimeter of Manhattan. This pool will be the pedestal for the twinned towers.
In front of the pool are three flags representing the U.S., New York State and Nassau County. These flags are in the water for visibility, and relate to all prominent features bordering the lake. To the west of the pool is a list of the 9/11 Nassau County victims.
It is anticipated that the project will be funded in part or completely by private donations.