Post-World War II period saw the beginning of Reconstruction of Europe, which people understood would bring an increase in transatlantic trade.
In 1946, the N.Y. Legislature set up the World Trade Corporation, to investigate the ability and likelihood of creating a trade center in Manhattan.
Furthermore, the city was quickly growing, yet the growth mostly took place in Midtown Manhattan. Grandson of J. D. Rockefeller, David, set up the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association (DLMA). The DLMA asked an architectural firm to develop a plan to revive the Lower Manhattan – the project was called World Trade Center.
The plan was made public in January of 1960. It called for closing or widening of streets, and the demolishment or renewal of old buildings. The planned cost was $250 million, and 13-acre land east of Wall Street was needed. The building was planned to be 70 stories high, with office and hotel space, with an international trade exhibit hall, and a grand plaza.
