MDS Architecture designs memorial to pay tribute to those lost on September 11

Wantagh, NY A new 9/11 memorial designed as a lasting place of reflection, remembrance and resilience was formally dedicated on September 11, 2026 at Wantagh High School, honoring those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and ensuring their memory will be carried forward for generations.

“This was much more than a design project for us,” said Michael Mark, president of MDS Architecture, which designed and oversaw the construction of the memorial. “We understood the responsibility that comes with creating a permanent memorial to September 11. Every element was designed with purpose — to remember those we lost, to recognize the resilience that followed that terrible day and to create a place where future generations can understand why we must never forget.”

Designed by MDS Architecture, the memorial is centered around two sculptural towers inspired by the original World Trade Center. Rising eight feet, the towers were created at 1:170 scale and in the same proportions as the original Twin Towers.

The towers are constructed on a stainless-steel armature clad in rigid architectural stainless-steel mesh panels, materials selected to evoke the distinctive exterior of the World Trade Center while symbolizing permanence and resilience.

Pathways lead visitors toward the memorial, creating a space where individuals, families and members of the community can gather, reflect and remember.

The sculpture rises from a pentagon-shaped pedestal of polished black granite. Around the base, the names of members of the community who perished on September 11, 2001, and of subsequent 9/11 health related issues are engraved, in a moving tribute to their sacrifice. A portion of the memorial has also been reserved for the names of those who continue to lose their lives as a result of 9/11-related illnesses.

The surrounding pavers continue the pentagon geometry outward into the plaza, providing a subtle tribute to those who lost their lives at the Pentagon on September 11.

In another significant design detail, the towers are positioned in the same geographic orientation as the original World Trade Center towers. Integrated LED lighting illuminates the structures from within, creating a glowing serene presence after dusk.

The memorial honors not only those who died at the World Trade Center, but all those lost at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93.

“We had a real community effort to make this reality, and it’s been three years in the making,” said John McNamara, superintendent of Schools for the Wantagh School District. “We thought it was important to have this memorial so we can continue to educate the students in our district. This keeps the memory of those we lost alive.”

“Twenty-five years after September 11, the responsibility to remember becomes even more important,” said Dr. Paul Guzzone, principal, Wantagh High School.

“To have something like this memorial right outside our front door for our students, our staff and our visitors to see is incredibly important to our community. This is a memorial that will live on, forever.”