One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, the Citigroup Center, is being quietly reinforced in the wake of Sept. 11, The Post has learned.
It’s believed to be the city’s first skyscraper to have its physical structure strengthened to help withstand a possible terror attack.
The 59-story building, at Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street, is supported by four nine-story legs.
At least one of these legs – the one closest to street traffic – is undergoing structural improvements that would help keep it from buckling if a bomb went off nearby or a truck loaded with explosives rammed it, a source said.
It’s not clear whether the other three legs are being made stronger.
The owner, Boston Properties, has turned off the night lights on the distinctive triangular roof in order to “lower the profile” of the building, according to another source.
Boston Properties vice president Robert Selsem would say only, “We have an ongoing program to enhance the security and safety of the building.”
