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Durst Renews Plans for Antenna at 1 World Trade

Facility gives Durst a 'one-two' punch in its fight for broadcast tenants vs. Empire

This story has been updated with information from the Durst and Port Authority announcement.

The Durst Organization could take in $10 million a year in rents and fees if the renewed plan for a broadcast antenna atop One World Trade Center comes through.

Durst — which controls the building in a joint agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — plans to install a broadcast antenna in the spire, and pitch space to radio and TV stations currently based at the Empire State Building.

“The move — reviving an earlier broadcast plan that was dropped out of financial concerns — would inject some competition into the skies for the Empire State Building, which since the collapse of the original World Trade Center towers in 2001 has been the go-to broadcast site in the city,” the Wall Street Journal reported. The newspaper said Malkin Holdings, an owner of Empire, declined comment. It reported that Empire took in $16.1 million from broadcasters in 2010. Read the Journal story here (subscription).

“Employing full redundant power, the One World Trade Center broadcast center would be marketed together with a broadcast tower atop 4 Times Square, also operated by The Durst Organization,” the organizations said in an announcement this week. “The two towers would together serve as a primary and back-up facility, creating an economy of scale for broadcast tenants.” Durst President Jody Durst promised “an ultra-modern broadcast facility” on “the pinnacle of the world’s most iconic building.”

According to the organizers, the broadcast center would require $7.4 million in upfront capital costs, to be carried by Durst.

Construction on the building is now to the 92nd floor. Eventually it will stand 104 stories.

In June, the Port Authority reached a joint venture agreement with The Durst Organization for an equity interest in the building. The property is being developed by both, and will be managed, run and leased by Durst.

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