9/11 then and now: Photos show how the World Trade Center area has changed in 25 years

Key Points:

• The area around the former World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan has undergone significant transformation over the 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, with new developments like One World Trade Center and the Fulton Center transit complex reshaping the neighborhood.
• Photographs comparing scenes from just after the attacks in 2001 with those from 2026 reveal both dramatic changes, such as rebuilt buildings and new businesses, and areas that have remained largely the same, including some storefronts and landmarks.
• The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11, was rebuilt and completed in 2022 on its original site, symbolizing resilience and renewal in the community.
• Memorials and public art, like the relocated “Double Check” sculpture, continue to serve as reminders of the tragedy while the neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant urban area with modern infrastructure.
• Despite extensive redevelopment, certain elements of the neighborhood’s character and architecture have been preserved, reflecting a blend of remembrance and progress in Lower Manhattan.