Another interesting fact - the insurance policy was taken out after it was discovered that the towers were full of asbestos and that would need to be remediated. The cost of remediation was going to be in the billions. How convenient that an unprecedented terrorist strike would eliminate the need to remediate, and pay top dollar for the properties. I believe Silverstein paid $3.5B for the towers, and was paid $4.55B by insurance.
Another interesting fact - the insurance policy was taken out after it was discovered that the towers were full of asbestos and that would need to be remediated. The cost of remediation was going to be in the billions. How convenient that an unprecedented terrorist strike would eliminate the need to remediate, and pay top dollar for the properties. I believe Silverstein paid $3.5B for the towers, and was paid $4.55B by insurance.
Most of the building wasn't even rented out and was largely empty. He made out quite well.