When the devastating attacks occurred on September 11, 2001; Merritt Engineering Consultants, P.C. was in the process of monitoring the façade restoration project they specified for the 75-year old, landmark designated Verizon building at 140 West Street. When the buildings collapsed; columns from the towers were driven through the façade of this 33 story art deco structure and the mountains of debris descended upon the building, burying the lower portions of the ornate facades.