The former New York City offices of Mancini•Duffy and Gruzen Samton may be gone, but, thankfully, the people live on and, through the help of many colleagues and other supporters, both practices continue to thrive.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, where Mancini•Duffy had its offices on the 21st floor, the design firm has recently resumed operations at the space of one of its clients, JP Morgan Chase, at 277 Park Avenue. Thanks to the generosity of friends, clients, and colleagues in the real estate, design, and construction community, they report, they are "fully-equipped" and "well-housed."

"Morale is high and we are working harder than ever," a letter from the firm announced.

If you don't already know the story, 140 of the 142 Mancini•Duffy New York headquarters employees were in their World Trade Center offices when the tragedy struck September 11. Through immediate action and the grace of fortune, all 140 employees safely evacuated the building.

Several architecture and design firms donated talent, equipment, and other resources to assist Mancini•Duffy.

Gruzen Samton, whose 90 West St. office was gutted by fire resulting from the collapse of the towers, reports on its Web site that they may move into a new office in the "very near future."

"We have been able to continue our operations since the September 11 disaster thanks to the kindness and generosity of the architectural, engineering, and real estate industries who have provided space for our staff." The firm lists their benefactors on their Web site.

Mancini•Duffy and Gruzen Samton were two of several A/E/C firms in or near the towers. According to Building Design & Construction, of the more than 400 employees from companies involved in building construction at or around the site September 11, there are still 13 missing, all from The Washington Group, formerly Raytheon Infrastructure Inc.

—Tracy F. Ostroff

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.