Feb. 04, 2008

Even before it was built, The Rising, Westchester County’s September 11th Memorial was cited by the American Institute of Architects. After it was completed, the structure won awards from some of the most prestigious arts and architectural associations in the nation. Now, the memorial has the distinction of receiving the 2007 International Faith & Form/IFRAA Religious Art and Architecture Award for Sacred Landscapes.

“The Rising truly is a remarkable work of art and architecture,” County Executive Andy Spano said. “In a quiet and secluded corner of one of Westchester’s most beautiful parks, the soaring structure stands as a permanent tribute to the residents of our county who died on 9/11.  For the families and friends who lost their loved ones, it is a sacred place – a place where they can be close to the things that are eternal and the things of spirit. The Rising is worthy of this honor.”

Designed by internationally accomplished architect, Frederic Schwartz, The Rising has stainless steel rods that rise 80 feet high from a circle of inscribed granite stones. The stones bear the names of the residents of Westchester who died in the tragedies and an inscription provided by their families.

“The Rising is the creation of a brilliant architect – I congratulate Fred and his staff for this tremendous accomplishment,” Spano said.  “We are grateful to him for sharing his concept and dream for this award winning memorial.”

The Rising is also the recipient of the 2007 Westchester Arts Council President’s Award, the 2006 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Lower Hudson Valley Chapter Award, the 2006 American  Institute of Architects (AIA) Westchester/Mid-Hudson Chapter Honor Award for Municipal/Community Planning, and the 2005 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Westchester/Mid Hudson Chapter Citation for an Unbuilt Project.

Faith & Form is a non-profit organization that recognizes the work of architects, landscape architects, artists and consultants from all over the world for their design of religious art and architecture.

The memorial, located at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, is open daily from dawn to dusk.