If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost.

That is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.

— Henry David Thoreau

What follows is a constructive critique of the current WTC — not destructive criticism. We appreciate the devotion that went into the site we see today, but if it was limited by the trauma and fierce politics of those early years and really could be a far greater tribute to the past and inspiration for the future, we doubt that anyone would want to stand in the way. If there is a plan that would vastly improve this iconic site it should be examined — and that is what we will do here.

The outline of the Proposal for Phase Two follows. The basic premise of each topic will be described as succinctly as possible and linked to pages where details are examined. It is a very delicate and complex subject that we will do our utmost to address with respect for the many differing points of view. What was inflicted on our country, our people, and citizens from around the world was so devastating, and the final World Trade Center will be so defining, that the future of the site deserves to be looked at with fresh eyes and goodwill.

This is more of a concept than a plan. The details that we include are simply our preferences and the images are just approximations. The whole purpose is to encourage a real examination and discussion of what is actually possible. We believe that new 2000-ft. Twin Towers should be the first megatall towers in our hemisphere and feature some of the tallest rooftop decks in the world. We would like to see golden architectural tracing added to the original silver facade to symbolize the alchemy that the future of the World Trade Center would have on the future of the world.

We think the new towers should fill the original footprints, which could be done without crowding the site. But we don’t pretend to know what the structural requirements would be to build that high or how it would best be accomplished. However, we are sure of is that it can be done employing the confident, resolute spirit that built the originals.

One of the keys to this proposal is that it would greatly enhance the elements of the site that are there today. And far from being a drain on a struggling city, it would be the greatest visitor draw imaginable. We are not suggesting replicas of the original towers — for many reasons. For one thing, they would not have the same impressive presence in the 21st century skyline that they once did. Only by going higher will the new towers capture the essence of the originals. And while there are already two towers that are taller, they will always be the most celebrated towers in the world.

The Twin Towers Alliance has been dedicated since 2006 to the belief that the World Trade Center will never be all it can be and should be until the Twin Towers reclaim their place in the skyline. Nothing since then has changed that belief. It was the organic desire of millions of people in the perilous aftermath of 9/11 and in the years that followed. It linked hearts and minds across the political spectrum and around the world. We believe it still would.

If we are correct, the credibility of this idea will catch the imagination of people everywhere. We are simply giving it a platform. It is an idea — nothing more and nothing less. We believe its time has come.