Poll: How much would the Statue of Liberty cost to Build today?

[mc ukrneal]

So there was an article today on how much it would cost to build many 'wonders of the world' from scratch. The Statue of Liberty was the second cheapest according to the estimates.  How much do you think the estimated cost of building it today was?

Once you've done that, you can go to this link (https://www.yahoo.com/travel/how-much-would-it-cost-to-build-these-landmarks-121212473962.html) to see how much they cost. Don't look until you vote - more fun this way.

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

 

[The new erato]

Totally irrelevant as there is no chance the governing bodies in the US agreeing to build it at all. I see endless congressional hearings, filibusters and the like until it all fizzles out.

[Hollywood]

There is no way the Statue of Liberty would cost only $1.3 million to build today. When it was built back in the 1880s the cost was a little over $500,000. Today that $500,000 to construct the statue and the pedestal would be over $10,000,000.

Someday I hope to visit Liberty. The architect and builder of the statue's pedestal was Richard Morris Hunt who is my 2nd cousin 5 times removed.

[The new erato]

There is no way the Statue of Liberty would cost only $1.3 million to build today. When it was built back in the 1880s the cost was a little over $500,000. Today that $500,000 to construct the statue and the pedestal would be over $10,000,000.

Someday I hope to visit Liberty. The architect and builder of the statue's pedestal was Richard Morris Hunt who is my 2nd cousin 5 times removed.

The best thing about it is how the marble was cut in Burgundy amongst the finest vineyards, and that I have visited the quarry (amongst lots of winedrinking).

[mc ukrneal]

Someday I hope to visit Liberty. The architect and builder of the statue's pedestal was Richard Morris Hunt who is my 2nd cousin 5 times removed.

Wow! I seem to remember you having other famous (perhaps distant) relatives as well. I was originally from New York and lived much of my early years not far from the city. Yet, it wasn't until my wife visited that I went there for the first time. Strange how that works! It was a lot more fun and interesting than I expected. The boat ride is tremendously fun if the weather is good.

[Hollywood]

Wow! I seem to remember you having other famous (perhaps distant) relatives as well.

You are correct my dear mc ukrneal. Anyway, my maternal grandmother was a Hunt and it's through her Hunt family line that I am descended from many kings and queens of England, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary and few other european countries as well. I always tell people that I am descended from royalty but unfortunately did not inherit any of that money, lands or titles (perhaps this should be carved onto my tombstone  ). 

[Dax]

How about "wonders" that were never built - the Tatlin Tower, for instance?

[mc ukrneal]

You are correct my dear mc ukrneal. Anyway, my maternal grandmother was a Hunt and it's through her Hunt family line that I am descended from many kings and queens of England, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary and few other european countries as well. I always tell people that I am descended from royalty but unfortunately did not inherit any of that money, lands or titles (perhaps this should be carved onto my tombstone  ). 

Nifty! I guess you never lack for 'small talk' topics!

[Todd]

Totally irrelevant as there is no chance the governing bodies in the US agreeing to build it at all. I see endless congressional hearings, filibusters and the like until it all fizzles out.

Never underestimate the ability of greed and corruption to get things done, especially when a monument to liberty is involved.  Environmental impact studies would be a minimum of three years and $25 million.  Total cost: $250 million, minimum.  I could see it topping a billion.

[ibanezmonster]

100 million gil.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

It would probably be sponsored out, so not very much. The Verizon® Statue of Liberty.

[Todd]

It would probably be sponsored out, so not very much. The Verizon® Statue of Liberty.

Not to the public, but overall costs would be crazy high.  Go the all-private route, and you end up with something like The Crazy Horse Memorial.  (Which is astounding in person, by the way.  I'm staring at a chunk of granite blasted out of the memorial that I placed between my speakers as I type this.) 

[Ken B]

The cost of construction might be very low. The cost of being allowed to build could be stratospheric. I expect you'd give up after having spent a hundred million or so, with no end in sight. It is too symbolic to be able to proceed. A symbol of American greatness or aspiration will not be tolerated. Not least by many commenters on GMG.

[kishnevi]

Also the cost of purchasing the land.  Anyone know the going rate for a small island in New York harbor?

[Todd]

Also the cost of purchasing the land.  Anyone know the going rate for a small island in New York harbor?

>$100 square cm.