Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Samsung is a large, global electronics company that is known for its televisions, soundbars and smart devices. Through the launch of its Frame series of television products, the company is building a following within the home design community and integrators stand to benefit by the companys growing appeal.

James Mayo, director of custom install/channel strategy at Samsung Electronics America, states that over the past several years the company has worked hard to balance the traditional elements of television product development, with the needs of the interior design community.

Headlining Samsungs effort to bridge the differences between the electronics industry and interior design community has been the companys hugely successful The Frame line of products.

Available in a growing selection of screen sizes, The Frame line of products were developed to integrate into home spaces without looking like a traditional television.

The Frame line of products are capable of displaying fine works of art through the use of Samsungs QLED display technologies, and proprietary Art Mode technology, which provides homeowners a choice of more than 1,200 works of art to show at their convenience.

When Samsung first came out with The Frame, it was received so well, we had 55-inch screen sizes; a couple of main screen sizes.We quickly found out that the demand is far and exceeding just like a typical television, people want it in different screen sizes for different purposes, comments Mayo.

We went all the way up to 75 [inches] this year, which has been received really well; 55, 65 were always our best-selling screen sizes. So, we are testing it up higher and the 75 [inch model] has been received really well.

Not only does Samsung now offer the 75-inch screen size model, but it also went the other way, by introducing a 32-inch screen size. Mayo notes the smaller screen size enables homeowners to place their The Frame TVs in locations such as kitchens and smaller bedrooms.

In addition to the research and develop (R&D) efforts the company has put into The Frame series of products, Mayo stresses that Samsung is also supporting the merger of home electronics into interior design spaces, by opening up design centers across the U.S.

When we talk to designers one of the things, we that we find is that designers I think are kind of hardwired to avoid technology a little bit. That is one of the things that we are trying to warm up in the design community, he says.

Weve opened up four different design centers. One in Irvine, Calif., one in Washington D.C., one in Ridgefield Park, N.J., at our headquarter office, but the newest one we built is down in the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, Texas. And we have in there a Samsung Experience by the Dallas Market Center. What we are doing down there is really bringing designers; we built it right in where the designers are use, to working out of every day. What we are trying to do is to get them to come see the rooms, we have Frames set up in there, all of our technologies are set up in there. The designer can come in and show how it becomes a seamless part of their design.

Mayo adds that initially when Samsung designed the Frame line of products the company envisioned the products as secondary TVs within a home, but they were surprised to learn that because of the visual elements the products delivered, homeowners were using the TVs as their primary displays.

Read more:
CEDIA Expo Virtual Preview: Samsung Reinvents the TV with The Frame Product Line - CEPRO - CEPro

September 14,2020: All those who are under the misconception that luxury and sustainability dont go hand in hand need to have a second thought. A leading Malaysian interior designer, Andreas Budiman, has debunked the myth like a boss with his innovative eco-friendly yet plush interior design and home renovation projects. The founder of Malaysias topinterior designstudio AND Studio, Mr. Budiman specializes in creating sustainable homes that can save on energy costs

A name of big repute across Malaysia and Singapore residential renovation scene, AND Studio is a full-service interior design and home renovation firm. The company offers specialized design consulting and home remodeling services and caters to all kinds of home renovation projects. Whether its a luxury makeover just for the kitchen or an overall makeover of an entire home, Mr. Budiman and his team are ready to work for all.

What separates Mr. Budimans approach from that of the regular interior designers is his major emphasis in incorporating natural elements in his projectswith due respect to the safety of the planet. One of his recent projects was a condo makeover with natural design and elements which has introduced a new wave in the traditional scene ofinterior design in Malaysia. Located in a highly urbanized area, the condo has been transformed from a 4-decade-old house into a plush grand home, accentuated with natural elements.

The beauty of natural elements was the main concept behind the designing and renovation of the condo, said Mr. Budiman while speaking about incorporating natural elements in his recent project.

The house has been decked up with natural stones like marble which has brought a classy edge to the overall condo. Moreover, AND Studio has incorporated natural lighting in thehome renovationproject as much as possible to ensure almost zero energy consumption.

With thego greencampaign going strong with each passing day, homeowners are really conscious about attaining a sustainable design and eco-friendly living. But, in most of the cases, they are curious about how to incorporate that ethos into their homes and need a guiding support here. This is where we come in.

We try to bring in a natural feel in homes with the help of natural stones, like the way we did in one of our last projects. Natural stones carry a timeless appeal and they always add a dose of class when you are seeking a luxury makeover for your home. Moreover, they are durable. Besides, we focus a lot on getting in natural lighting for your home to reduce energy consumption as much as possible. We believe in creating sustainable home designs that would be pleasing to the eye, easy on pocket and also would contribute to the betterment of the planet.

While asked whether they had to face challenges while incorporating natural elements in their projects, Mr. Budiman mentioned a number of handicaps which they had to learn to tackle. He noted about the difficulties in carrying large slabs of natural stones through elevators and all the extra works needed to size them up before installation.

Yes, of course there are always challenges when we try to incorporate natural elements in our renovation or interior design projects. For example, natural stones usually com in big sizes. So, its a great deal of challenge to carry it in elevators and there is always a lot of on-site work involved before installation. But, we are happy to deal with challenges because we know the end product will serve a greater good.

Mr. Budiman also specializes in urban industrial-concept homes. Another of his recent project was on an industrial-concept home where he has used sophisticated black-accent concept design to create a suave urbane look.

A major name across the Asian interior design industry, Mr. Budiman has been widely appreciated by his clients for his vast knowledge, out-of-the-box approach to home design and renovation and personal touch. Unlike regular designers who are mostly running after money, Mr. Budiman is always more focused on helping his clients add value to their homes. He proceeds with every project with a personalized approach to ensure a clients specific needs and choices are addressed at their best. Many of his clients have spoken highly of his careful attention to detail and personalized care.

It helps a family to have a happy home. We do acknowledge your home is one of your most treasured assets and you wish it to be the reflection of your ethos and elegant tastes. Each design or renovation project comes with its own specific needs. Thus, we always stress on a personalized approach and minute attention to detail to ensure optimum satisfaction, added in Mr. Budiman.

The leading interior designer also aspires to educate his clients and visitors on various aspects of home renovation and interior design through his website and free reports that are sent to clients email. One of his latest educational guides is on hidden costs of renovation that provides exclusive tips on how to save time and money in a renovation project.

AND Studios official website is bustling with a series of happy testimonials from Budimans long range of clients. His clients have spoken highly of him for his unique design approach, impeccable professionalism, prompt response and transparent communication.

200% recommended!!

Even after the season of High Ticket Closing has ended, as my teams Accountability Leader, he continued to provide me with the support I needed in terms of promptly answering my questions, even going as far as setting up a one on one meeting just to best answer my concerns to try and give me more clarity and accountability.

He is truly a gem worth working with that is all about providing value first.

About Andreas Budiman

One of the most renowned names in the Malaysia and Singapore interior design industry, Andreas Budiman is a seasoned interior designer and home renovation expert. His interior design firm, AND Studio is based in Johor Bahru and is reputed for premier and eco-friendly interior design and consultancy for home owners. Budiman is one among the top High-Ticket Closers mentee of Dan Lok, The Asian Dragon and specializes in combining luxury with natural elements to create a warm and classy ambience inside the home.

For moreinformation, please visithttps://andstudiodesign.com/

Source: Story.KISSPR.com

Release ID: 14289

Continued here:
AND Studio creating sustainable homes with eco-friendly luxury interior design & renovation - Press Release - Digital Journal

Back in 2018, while the Dolan Twins were still living in their first Encino home, they enlisted the help of Mr. Kate and Joey to add some decorative touches. The couple decided to match the interior design to the mid-century exterior, and their dining room choices have since come back to haunt them.

After selecting a rustic dining table, Joey explained that they chose more mid century chairs for contrast.While placing the seats at the table, Joey and Kate discuss how they picked them.

"These chairs are cool," Joey says.

"I am obsessed with these," Kate responds. "These are made in Italy."

When the Dolan Twins were able to see the finished design, they harped on the chairs.

"They're made in Italy? Imported?" Ethan said.

"These are amazing! We're Italian!" Grayson exclaimed.

"A little bit," Ethan added.

But, more than two years later, the Dolan Twins said that Mr. Kate actually lied about the chairs, and they claimed that they were really from Walmart.

See original here:
Why Did the Dolan Twins Shade Mr. Kate's Furniture? What Happened? - Distractify

As we approach the final quarter of 2020, the profound business shifts caused by the coronavirus are more apparent than ever, from day-to-day operations to fundamental values. We asked seven interior designersMelissa Bodie, Kati Curtis, Javier Fernandez, Taj Hunter Waite, Christina Nielsen, Alisa Popelka and Danielle Rollinshow the virus affected their firms and how theyve adjusted to the changing times.

Alisa PopelkaCourtesy of Alisa Popelka

Keeping it realIve added a COVID clause to my contract and have had open dialogues with each client regarding how they are most comfortable moving forward with projects during the pandemic, whether that is to continue in-person, change to virtual services or put their projects on hold. By remaining transparent and keeping the lines of communication open regarding issues such as longer lead times, freight and shipping delays, and managing scope creep (as clients are spending more time in their homes and adding to their projects), it establishes that we are all on the same page. Each party understands we are working under abnormal circumstances, but still striving for excellent customer service, a great client experience, and a well-designed space clients will love to live in. Alisa Popelka, Alisa Cristine Interiors, Dallas

Javier FernandezCourtesy of Javier Fernandez

Back in actionIn the early days of COVID, most of my projects were placed on hold. That time was quite scary, not knowing if the client would call back. Around the end of April, the phone calls and emails from existing clients, as well as new ones, started coming in fast and furious. After a great big sigh of relief, I went to work and have not stopped. The projects range from sprucing up a couple of rooms to full-on remodels, including participating in The Hampton Designer Showhouse to boot. What I have learned from this moment is that our homes are critical to our well-being. With more time at home, I sincerely believe that clients are investing in their homes because they have fallen back in love with them. Javier Fernandez, Transitional Designs, New York

Taj Hunter WaiteCourtesy of Taj Hunter Waite

A different paceWhen the COVID shutdown occurred, there was so much uncertainty initially. As weve slowly started again, delivery of custom orders are all moving at a snails pace. For the most part, on full design service jobs, budgets havent been affected. [The most significant change] I have experienced is clients wanting to be a bigger part of the process. When I encounter that, I suggest our virtual service options. If you want to actively be a part of the process, I can source and advise you along the way. Considering the lines between work, home and family responsibilities are more blurred than ever before, I find being flexible in offering new methods of design delivery to be key. Taj Hunter Waite, All Things Taj, Miami

Kati CurtisCourtesy of Kati Curtis

creative licenseWeve had to get creative with installs. Some buildings wouldnt allow our contractors in, some would only allow a certain number in at a time, and some have only allowed work in one unit per day, so if someone else was working wed have to wait. Weve also had some clients on a tighter deadline, meaning we have to work quickly and be extra-efficient. Some materials have been delayed due to international shipping. Its all about adapting and finding new solutions to still deliver exceptional results for our clients. Kati Curtis, Kati Curtis Design, New York

Christina NielsenCourtesy of Christina Nielsen

Here comes the boomI am extremely grateful to say that COVID has impacted my business in a positive way, and I have never been busier. As the power of home is more prevalent than ever, my clients are looking to either upgrade their homes or move into new ones. While commercial projects have stalled, New York and the surrounding area is a buyers market, which has created a boom in residential design. It has, however, been a huge learning experience to transition from in-person meetings and appointments to purely virtual. I miss having the connection of clients and showrooms, but it is clear that the design industry remains incredibly resilient and continues to adapt. Christina Nielsen, Christina Nielsen Design, New York and London

Melissa BodieCourtesy of Melissa Bodie

A closer look Fortunately, business has been solid and consistent, thanks to our introduction of e-design services. But reading the startling statistics about the viruss effect on people of color holds up a microscope to the systemic, institutional racism in the U.S., and has propelled us to continue to strive for more diversity, inclusion and equity. We continue to examine our role within the design business, reassessing the brands with whom we work and from whom we source. Melissa Bodie, Melissa + Miller Interiors, New York and Philadelphia

Danielle RollinsCourtesy of Danielle Rollins

Full speed aheadI think the home industry is in for a major boom. People [have] started really seeing their home as a place of shelter, rather than a transient dwelling they pass through. I am seeing a major shift in how people view their spacestheyre making a major investment in the things they had put off or didnt see value in investing in before. My clients are going full throttle on curtains, carpets and fully decorated spaces. Danielle Rollins, Danielle Rollins Interiors, Atlanta

Homepage photo: A project by Danielle Rollins from her forthcoming book, Home for All Seasons | Courtesy of Rizzoli

Go here to see the original:
7 designers on how COVID has impacted their businesses - Business of Home

A New Initiative to Provide Three Days of Inspiring Programming and Connect the Design Community Through Open, Interactive Events.

(August 26, 2020 -- Washington, DC) -- The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has announced its first-ever Virtual Conference, seeking to unite design professionals nationwide. Created to support and inspire the design community despite the travel and health restrictions of COVID-19, the Virtual Conference will provide programming, resources, networking, and a virtual exhibit hall to connect designers and design partners, promote wellness and wellbeing, and demonstrate the impact of design. The Virtual Conference will be hosted on the ASID Academy and will also be accessible via mobile app from September 15-17, 2020 with a preview of the Exhibit Hall starting September 8, 2020. Additionally, the event is free and open to all of the design public, not just ASID members.

The ASID Virtual Conference will offer a diverse range of digital programs, including signature events like the ASID State of the Society. The event invites design professionals, students, educators, and manufacturers to join together and experience the Societys design impacts lives mission, free of cost. Harnessing timely topics through its CEUs, keynotes, and other programming, the Virtual Conference is set to empower designers through personal and professional development opportunities, support industry manufacturers through virtual networking, and connect and support the design community nationwide - without the limiting factors of cost or travel.

Being able to share the mission of design impacts lives with designers from around the country truly demonstrates the far-reaching power of design," states ASID Interim CEO Gary Wheeler, FASID. We are thrilled to bring the entire community together through a packed line-up of enlightening events and interactive engagements, all thoughtfully curated to spark inspiration and push our industry forward."

As part of the ASID Virtual Conference, exclusive training and events for ASID chapter leadership will also be offered simultaneously through a supplemental board agenda. The Virtual Chapter Leadership Conference will provide invaluable education and professional development for the next slate of ASID chapter leaders to succeed in their new roles.

Ranging from morning mindfulness sessions to informative CEUs and exhibitor pop-ups, the Virtual Conference will touch on topics including designs role in a post-COVID world, occupant wellbeing, industry resilience, diversity and equity in design, and more. In line with its innovative virtual format, ASID will reimagine the traditional opening program and kick off the event with a crowd-sourced keynote titled: Whats Next? Designs Impact on People, Places and Planet. Highlighting the best names in design, an array of luminary speakers - including ASID Designers of Distinction, Student Portfolio Winners, Fellows and more - will explore the meaning of design impacts lives.

Speakers for the Virtual Conference include:

Gary E. Wheeler, FASID

Interim CEO, ASID

Gary E. Wheeler, FASID, is a renowned professional with more than 30 years design experience and a passion for creative excellence. He has led practices at Perkins&Will, Gensler, and most recently, HDR. Distinguished for his strategic approach to workplace design, Gary began his career as co-founder of the Wheeler Group in 1978. Gary has worked with companies in a variety of industries, including Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Time Warner, Bates Advertising, Leo Burnett Worldwide and Marsh. His many ASID accomplishments and milestones include being named the Designer of Distinction (1999), granted fellowship and serving as National President (1994). During Wheelers time as ASID President, he was a transformative leader that ushered in a new era for the organization by expanding the ASID Foundation and investing in research and evidence-based design. Wheeler has also been inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and received the Senior Fellow Award from The Design Future Council (DFC) in 2002. He is one of the few designers with Fellow distinction with ASID and IIDA.

Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS

Chair-Elect, ASID Board of Directors

Creative Director, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

With over 25-years of experience, Kerrie Kelly is creative director for Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. Kerri is an award-winning California interior designer, author, and contributor; and a product designer and multimedia consultant helping national brands reach the interior design market. Kerrie is a fellow, chair-elect to the National Board of Directors, and chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); Houzz Pro Advisory Board Member; and the 2020 Trends Expert of the National Kitchen and Bath.

Jennifer Kolstad, ASID, Assoc. AIA

Chair, ASID Board of Directors

Global Design Director, Ford Motor Company

Jennifer Kolstad is the global design director of Ford Motor Companys built environments. Her role seeks to unify Fords brand language across typologies through architecture and design, investigating opportunities for cultural and behavioral change, elevating design impact internal and external to the global Ford ecosystem. With a core belief in collaboration, her mission is to ideate future-state readiness for the physical infrastructure of a next-gen mobility company. Dedicated to the longevity of the interior design profession holistically, Jennifer is the 2020 chair of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) National Board of Directors. Since joining the national board in 2016, her focus has been the broader application of the interior design professional's human-centered expertise in every design equation.

About ASID

The American Society of Interior Designers believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Societys programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and human-centric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.

ASID was founded over 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, and heal. Learn more at asid.org.

Go here to see the original:
ASID Announces First Ever Virtual Conference - Vegas Magazine

Where does your drinking water come from? A city supply, private well, bottles? Sometimes it feels like it magically appears, ready for use, and then it goes down the drain or toilet. Poof! All gone! Or is it?

I am going to reveal the secret life of water.

We all know the water cycle where water evaporates up to the clouds where it collects until it gets dense enough to rain (or snow if it is cold enough). It then falls back to earth to become groundwater again. When water seeps in from the surface and reaches the water table, it begins moving towards points where it can escape, such as wells, rivers or lakes.

Many homes in this area get their drinking water from either a private or public well. This is why it is important to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by managing potential sources of contamination in the area that supplies water to a well.

Much can be done to prevent pollution, such as the wise use of land and chemicals. Public health is protected and the expense of treating polluted water or drilling new wells is avoided through wellhead protection efforts.

So, now where does it go after I flush?

Some of us have a septic system that consists of a tank and drain field. Wastewater enters the tank. The solids sink and begin to break down. The liquid drains from the tank to the drain field where the remaining impurities naturally decompose and the water returns as groundwater.

City residents are probably connected to the city sewer system. The wastewater collected in the city sewer system is piped to the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) in Duluth for treatment. The treatment is similar to a septic system, but on a larger scale.

So, you might be asking why I am interested in the secret life of water. Well, the quick answer is that water is a limited resource. There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when Earth was formed. The water from your faucet could contain molecules from water that dinosaurs drank.

Cool! But wait, theres more.

Nearly 97% of the worlds water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of humanitys needs all of our agricultural, residential, manufacturing, community and personal needs.

Water is part of a deeply interconnected system. What we pour on the ground ends up in our water, and what we spew into the sky ends up in our water.

So, the final point of my interest in the secret life of water is keeping it safe. One way I am doing this is by eliminating as many chemicals as possible in all of my cleaning. I am replacing the chemicals with things like baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar and salt. This saves money both in the cost of cleaning supplies and in the costs of treating used water.

Natural cleaning products result in a purer environment. Using natural cleaners also contributes to a healthier environment. They help reduce pollution to waterways and air. Conventional cleaners can easily seep into a water supply, and water treatment plants have difficulty treating a large volume of such chemicals.

The city of Carlton is going to give away two natural cleaning kits in October. Every address in town will be entered in the drawing. Two winners will be contacted.

Natural cleaning recipes are available to everyone. Visit http://www.cityofcarlton.com for cleaning recipes and sewer and septic tips or contact me if you would like a copy: 218-384-4229 or carlton@cityofcarlton.com.

Jodie Johnson is the deputy clerk for the city of Carlton.

Follow this link:
Johnson column: The secret life of water - Pine Journal

G&R Plumbing Inc., a leading plumbing company, has issued an update on their preparedness towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cincinnati, OH - September 14, 2020 - This exceptional Cincinnati plumbing service provider has announced how they prepare themselves to offer undisrupted plumbing solutions on their website. As a critical industry, the company stated that they are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent any virus's further spread.

The company maintained that they duly understand the seriousness with which this disease comes with. That is why it takes the necessary precautions to avoid further spread of the virus that has disrupted services across the country. Even better, the company said that they need everyone to feel secure while still getting the services they may require.

As an essential industry serving homes and businesses, the company is fully aware that everyone will still need plumbing services even in the face of the pandemic. To enhance such services' continuous flow, the company assures its clients that they have been and will continue to have all their technicians wear appropriate PPE whenever entering someone's home or business.

Moreover, they alluded that clients should rely on them to come to their aid on time for any Cincinnati plumbing services. In doing so, their technicians will adhere to the safety precautions by wearing gloves, masks, eye protection, and other protective gear. Besides, they also understand the need for everyone to keep safe, be staying at home, and maintaining social distancing altogether.

About G&R Plumbing Inc.

G & R Plumbing, with over 37 years of operations, backed with a combined experience spanning 100 years, this exceptional plumbing company brings exquisite expertise and knowledge on various plumbing needs. The services and scope touch on repairs and installations of plumbing systems for residential to commercial premises.

Additionally, the company boasts itself in having skilled technicians who can handle any plumbing at affordable prices.

Media ContactCompany Name: G & R Plumbing, Inc.Contact Person: Adam PartinEmail: Send EmailPhone: 513-528-5151Address:562 Clough Pike City: CincinnatiState: OHCountry: United StatesWebsite: gandrplumbing.com/

Read the original:
G&R Plumbing, Inc. Gives an Exclusive Update on their COVID-19 Preparedness - Press Release - Digital Journal

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) Construction is underway to rebuild the historic Greek Orthodox church destroyed 19 years ago Friday.

CBS2s Jenna DeAngelis takes a look at the history of St. Nicholas National Shrine in Lower Manhattan.

An old photo shows the majestic Twin Towers shining light on St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, a place of peace and prayer for 85 years on Cedar Street, until darkness took over on Sept. 11, 2001.

Luckily nobody was in the church that day, but as the towers were hit, obviously, the south tower came down on top of the church, said Father Evagoras Constantinides, spokesman of the archdiocese.

Only a few sacred items were found in the rubble: Icons, a candelabra, bell, tattered books.

But out of the ashes also came the commitment to rebuild.

It was the only house of worship that was destroyed on that day, and now it will be the only house of worship back at the site, Constantinides said.

credit: CBS2

He brought DeAngelis on the site of the new church to the welcome sight and sounds of crews working, a resurrection nearly two decades in the making.

Construction began at the Liberty Street location in 2015, but setbacks including financial troubles halted it two years later, leaving behind an empty dome, until the nonprofit Friends of St. Nicholas was formed.

We raised $45 million in January to March to help finish the church, said John Catsmitidis, the vice chairman of Friends of St. Nicholas.

But then came COVID-19, delaying construction again until early August.

They often say that, you know, good things come to those who wait. And I sincerely believe that St. Nicholas at the World Trade Center is the best thing. So its OK for us to wait a little bit, Constantinides said.

DeAngelis walked through whats to come, including the entryway, where people will come to light candles.

Inside, there will also be a nondenominational bereavement center a beautiful, open space, which, on the outside, will glow. A symbol of hope, strength, and unrelenting faith, for all.

Whether youre Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, you come here to pray, to find solace, to find reason, Catsmitidis said.

The souls, the lives, the memories of those 3,000 people and their families and their relatives and their friends. All of the people, every single one of us, who has been affected by 9/11, this is a place for us, said Constantinides.

Completion was set for Sept. 11, 2021, and even though the pandemic set construction back, a ceremony is still planned for a year from now to commemorate the 20th anniversary of a day we will never forget.

The archdiocese says while that target date remains, its likely not going to be completed until next winter or early spring of 2022.

You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app.Download here.

See the rest here:
Rising From The Ashes: Construction Continues On St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Only House Of Worship Destroyed On 9/11 - CBS New York

On this day 9/11 in 2001, two planes flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

Today, 19 years later, the sad and emotional memories resurface for families and friends of the victims who unjustly lost their lives.

As the Twin Towers horrifically collapsed from the impact, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Manhattan was also buried.

St. Nicholas was the only other building besides the Twin Towers completely destroyed during the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Saint Nicholas Church, which commenced services in 1922, was named after Agios Nikolaos, Patron Saint of Sailors, as it was the first stopping point for many Greek migrants after they left Ellis Island, the United States busiest migrant inspection station.

For 85 years, the Saint Nicholas Church stood at 155 Cedar St, New York City, until the shocking terrorist attack occurred.

No one was inside the church during the September 11 attack, as a committee member and electrician were able to escape minutes before the south tower came crashing down destroying the church.

Amongst the rumble, only a little bit remained of the church including the damaged icon of St. Dionysios of Zakynthos, the icon of The Mother of God of the Life-giving Spring and a small handful of other religious items.

The churchs most valuable physical possessions, including the relics of St Nicholas, St Catherine, and St Sava which had been donated to the church by Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia, were never recovered after the attack.

A devastating number of 2,753 people were killed in the 9/11 attack, including 36 Greek-Americans.

After the 9/11 attacks, it was said that the Church would reopen as a national shrine. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the churchs new look is inspired by Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Holy Savior in Chora, two Byzantine-era shrines in Constantinople.

The rebuilding and reopening of Saint Nicholas is referred to a beacon and some kind of miracle.

Construction of the new Church was halted when the money ran out and according to reports, a lot of the funds donated for the construction of St. Nicholas Church was used to cover unrelated expenses.

Earlier this year, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America used sprigs of basil and holy water to bless the restart of construction works at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Construction was set to resume in the spring, then COVID hit, grounding all non-essential projects statewide to a halt for months.

The aim is to have the new St. Nicholas open on September 11, 2021 the 20th anniversary of the attacks to offer comfort to New Yorkers of all faiths.

On the 19th anniversary, we remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

60 Minutes showcases the rebuilding of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Read this article:
Remembering The Tragic 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, And The Destroyed St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - GreekCityTimes.com

The founding ceremony of the symbolic Hagia Sophia, which will be a miniature and replica of the historic church in Constantinople that was turned into a mosque earlier this year, took place in the Syrian province of Hama.

Greek Orthodox militias supporting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad recently announced that they would build a new church in Syria, a copy of Hagia Sophia, with the help of Russia.

This was in response to the decision by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque in July.

When will it be ready?

The commander of the Russian Armed Forces group in Syria, Lieutenant General Alexander Chaiko addressed the audience in the ceremony saying, It will be a historical bridge between the best and spiritually moral traditions of the past, present and the future.

According to Chaiko, the construction is projected to be completed within one year and the church will function as an Orthodox place of worship.

What will the mini Hagia Sophia look like?

According to reports, this is a private funding project and has no political framework.

This is a private project, it will also be privately funded. Even the plot on which the church is to be built belongs to a family of Syrian Christians, whose ancestors resisted the Turks in the 1920s, like all Syrians at the time. You do not have to wait for a majestic construction: it will be a small church, said Nabil Abdallah, the commander of the pro-Syrian government National Defense Committee in the city a few days ago.

I do not think it deserves the echo of Hagia Sophia.

He added that the construction of the church was blessed by the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch.

The question remains, will the Greek state contribute to this construction?

With Greece and Syria formalising renewed relations, it appears that Greece can begin its re-established ties with Syria by supporting the Greek Orthodox community in the construction of this cathedral.

Abdullah obtained the approval of Bishop Nicola Baalbaki, the Metropolitan of Hama and its dependencies, to build a new church in the city of Suqaylabiyah in Hama province. The more than 17,000 residents of Suqaylabiyah are overwhelmingly Greek Orthodox, as previously reported by Greek City Times.

The Greek Orthodox militias in Syria, who have remained loyal to the government battling Turkish-backed jihadists, have successfully defending their towns and churches without any assistance from Greece.

For Greece to emerge stronger after this crisis with Turkey, Athens must seriously consider supporting all Greek Orthodox communities wherever they exist in the region, whether it be Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan or Egypt. By not forging strong connections with the Greek Orthodox communities in these countries, we only use geopolitical leverage and influence.

If Greece wants to better secure its geopolitical positioning, it must forge pathways with these countries via the Greek Orthodox community. Greece already disgracefully abandoned Syria and the Greek Orthodox communities to the hordes of Turkish-backed jihadists.

Now if Greece wants to reestablish ties with Syrias Greek Orthodox community, what better way is there then assisting the construction of a Greek Orthodox church in Suqaylabiyah?

More:
Hagia Sophia Replica Location In Syria Is Blessed; Why Isn't Greece Assisting With Construction? - GreekCityTimes.com