Oculus, $4B terminal, symbol of rebirth from Ground Zero ashes

Excited admirers of world-class architecture and others paying tribute to Sept. 11, 2001, cheered Thursday afternoon as they entered glass revolving doors of the new $4 billion Port Authority Oculus Hub terminal.

The Ground Zero transit facility — a mass of gleaming marble and steel designed to symbolize life triumphing over death — is a “gift to New Yorkers,” said the terminal’s Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, “a public space that I give thanks to God that we were able to build.”

To that end, another less high-minded slice of symbolism was evident at the low-key opening — an absence of a parade of elected leaders and other officials often seen at similar 9/11-related events.

The Oculus design of white wings echoes the Greek Phoenix myth of rebirth from the ashes. The structure, which will eventually connect 11 subway lines and a shopping mall, shelters the hallowed ground of Ground Zero where nearly 3,000 people died after terrorists crashed passenger jets into the World Trade Center.

Inside, the white-ribbed-vaulted ceiling and its gleaming-white marble walls and floors reflect the natural sunlight filling the space.

“It all shines. . . . It is a public space like that of Grand Central Terminal, free and open for everybody to enjoy,” said Calatrava, who marveled at a flag of the stars and stripes draped over a balcony. “I wish I had thought of that — to put the American flag there. It took my breath away. . . . This is an event for the people.”

Calatrava spoke as he stared at the archway of his design — slammed by some of those absent public officials for its hefty price tag, and by critics who complained it resembles a dinosaur’s rib cage. Each 110-steel rib weighs 50 tons.

SEE PHOTOSClassic images of the Twin Towers

“It’s an awesome job,” said Manhattan resident Brian Camacho, 27, who shook Calatrava’s hand. “You don’t see structures like this in New York City. It’s a space for everyone and eventually people will forget about how much it cost like we did with One World Trade and the 9/11 memorial museum,” Camacho said.

“It’s beautiful. My goodness,” said Saibo Daiby, 46, of the Bronx, who was on North Tower’s 86th floor making a breakfast delivery when a hijacked airliner crashed into the 96th floor. “I felt the tower go back and forth. So today I feel mourning and grieving thinking about the people who died.”

George Anderson, director of security at the World Trade Center, stood in awe looking at the terminal.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Anderson said, an NYPD inspector on the day of the attacks, “I think this space speaks of rebirth and that is coming from someone who was here that day. This is an accomplishment for the whole city.”

Standing on the sidelines was Port Authority Director Patrick Foye, who had previously criticized the transit hub’s cost.

“I stand by my remarks, but I came there today to acknowledge the working men and women and the unions that built this,” said Foye, who is stepping down later this month. “It’s extraordinary.”