For Immediate Release:

AIA NEW YORK CHAPTER ANNOUNCES CREATION OF
WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL FUND

NEW YORK,
SEPTEMBER 22, 2001:

In response to the tragic consequences of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, and the outpouring of support from representatives of the design, construction and real estate industry, the AIA New York Chapter is co-sponsoring with the New York Building Congress, the World Trade Center Memorial Fund. The Fund will accept contributions from firms, organizations and individuals who wish to direct their support to the families of victims who served the industry and to area restoration. To most effectively administer the Fund, contributions will be dispersed in consultation with contributors and other industry organizations sponsoring similar efforts, and will be guided by the an Advisory Council with AIA New York Chapter representation.

"The inspiration for this fund was the overwhelming desire expressed by many of our colleagues, particular Alan Traugott of Flack & Kurtz, to help those in our industry who have been harmed by this brutal attack," said Building Congress Chairman Jeffrey M. Levy, President and COO of EMCOR Group, Inc.

In a letter dated 9/21/01 to architects throughout America, John Anderson, FAIA, National President of the American Institute of Architects wrote: "We have been asked how financial contributions can be best directed to assist relief efforts, especially in New York where several architecture firms were displaced by the disaster. Toward this end, the AIA New York Chapter and AIA New York State have identified the World Trade Center Memorial Fund, established by the AIA New York Chapter in full cooperation with the New York Building Congress, through its New York Building Foundation, as the recommended recipient of our financial assistance."

Donations from the architectural community will be used to assist architecture firms whose offices have been destroyed or damaged. The Advisory Council will determine how contributions will also be used to aid the surviving families of the victims, firefighters, police, and rescue personnel. The Chairman of the New York Building Foundation, John F. Hennessy III, Chairman and CEO of Syska & Hennessy said "We are faced with an unimaginable tragedy that requires more than our professional skills. It requires our empathy, our compassion, and our support of the families of our friends in the industry and beyond whose jobs may have cost them their lives." Mr. Hennessy noted that the first contribution to the Fund in the amount of $10,000 has been pledged, on his firm's behalf, by Leevi Kiil, Chairman & CEO of HLW International LLP and President-elect of the AIA New York Chapter.

To ensure that donations are allocated to assist those in need, please ensure that checks are payable to NYBF World Trade Center Memorial Fund/AIA.

Checks should be mailed to:

New York Building Foundation
44 West 28th Street, 12th floor
New York, New York 10001

Contributions to the Memorial Fund are tax deductible under the New York Building Foundation's 501(c)(3) status.

Questions about the Memorial Fund may be directed to:
Rick Bell, FAIA, Executive Director, AIA/New York Chapter,
212-683-0023, Ext. 25 or via email bell@aiany.org