The Marks Building One

It all started with a simple design. A simple sketch of the building that lead to a scale model and then finally to the construction. I proposed it to the local government not excepting very much to happen; maybe a head nod and a "we'll think about it" but it was accepted with open arms. Let me tell you about that day.

5 years ago
New York City

It was a sunny day in New York City that day. The sky was an electric blu with no clouds in the sky. Some would say it was a sign, that's the way I like to look at it. Traffic was hell that day, usual NYC traffic, completely blocked no matter which street you go on. This caused me to choose the latter, the subway. During that day it's a bad choice but at rush hour it's a really hectic place to be.

My appointment was at 5:30pm in primetime rush hour. It was a miricale that I managed to get on the right train at the right time without much of a delay. I arrived at City Hall at 5:15pm, giving me enough time to go over my presentation.

"Charlie Wax?" I stood from my chair and looked at the women. "They're ready to see you now" She continued, stepping aside to let me pass. "Good Luck."

"Thank you. I might need it" I replied with a smile. Walking through the glass door I saw a long hallway, The wallpaper looked brand new and was a dull red and black pattern. The carpet was a solid baige that ran from the waiting room all of the way to the end of the hall.

I reached the door with the name William Shardner on a silver plaque; opening it I was waved inside. From there I closed the door and pitched my idea. I didn't end up coming out for another hour and a half. Mr. Shardner loved the idea of a safe place for the city's poor people, as well as the homeless. He was especially essactic when I mentioned that it wouldn't cost millions of dollars to build.

Present Day
That day was when my dream of helping people took a step further. Mr. Shardner has asked me to come back in a month with a revised plan and a scale model of the building. He also said to bring a list of material suppliers and a cost estimate.

When I had gone to see him to present a finalized plan, along with the scale model, that same women had been there. We smiled at each other as I had walked past her and through the door. Mr. Shardner has been even more excited at my plans for the building and had said and I quote, "Go home, sleep and wait for my call." I'd figured at that point that it was going smoothly. The call, I thought, would be a confirmation of approval from the council about construction.

Four Years Ago
July 24 2021
New York City

This day was a little more cloudy than the first day. Not too cloudy as to block out the sun but enough that it looked on the verge of raining. Cars still blocked the streets and horns honked in annoyance as I sat at my kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee.

My heart was racing as I waited for the call. The call that would determine the future of my dream.

I took a sip of coffee and jumped when my phone rang. I answered and smiled at the news. The entire council had accepted my proposal and ordered that construction begin ASAP.

Present Day
Today was the day, The MARKS Building One was about to open for business. Months before opening we had held a registration for people living on the street. Making arrangements for different people, depending on their working condition.

I, myself have not seen the finished building yet but everyone outside the car was screaming loudly. I prepared myself and existed the limo. Turning around I felt tears forming in the corners of my eyes.

My dream had come true, I was going to help so many people with this one building. 35 stories high with 118 floors and 10 apartments on each floor, That meant 1,180 apartments in total, which meant 1,180 homeless and poor with a safe place to live. My work though, had only just begun.