7-11 Near 9/11

Real estate is once again the focal point of every news organization. But this time, it has nothing to do with interest only mortgages, faulty credit default swaps, predator lending or foreclosing. It does, however, coincide with one of the oldest real estate mantras in the business.

Location, location, location.

Developers desire to build a mosque in close proximity to the site of the World Trade Center, and as expected, this has created a public relations eruption of volcanic proportions. For the mass media, this story is rife with both political and religious controversy. When a story is fueled by these two incendiary topics, it's akin to throwing a match into a pool of gasoline. So I thought the safest route to take was none at all. As New Yorkers, and as Americans, you're either on one side or the other and I'm opting out of the discussion.

However, I do question one thing. Of all the possibilities, and I mean anything that's humanly plausible, was a mosque the best we could come up with? Was there even anything else on the list? A second choice? Nobody ever talks about what was rejected.

A mosque or....a pet shop?

Or how about a mosque or a Cheesecake Factory? When it comes to downtown New York, you're bound to have naysayers no matter what you choose. But then it hit me. The one thing that we can all agree on as neutral territory. Something which crosses all classes, and serves as all things to all people. And at a universally acceptable price point.

A 7-11.

Think about the marketing. Come to the 7-11 near 9/11. It flows beautifully. These convenience chains typically have foreign ownership, many from regions near the Middle East. There won't be praying (unless you ate the Beef Jerky), and no fear of racial epithets. Just Slurpies and an occasional Big Gulp. And that sure is easier to swallow than the heated battle between politics and religion. Also,the cops love 7-11, so customers will always have a sense of security walking around the neighborhood.

Alright, maybe it's too abstract. Maybe we shouldn't make 9/11 real estate about 7-11 food. So how about a Barnes and Noble? But not just any Barnes and Noble. This one would only carry specific books - - those on the historical relationship between the U.S. and the Middle East. Books that explain the meaning of the Koran, and others that provide justification for Israel. Most importantly, it would carry books that honor those workers, policemen, and firefighters that fought heroically that fateful day. When looking back on 9/11 with a historical eye, it would be nice to be fully armed and educated.

As long as we're brainstorming, let's not rule out a hospital. Wouldn't that be great? A medical facility near the site for 9-11. The WTC Memorial Hospital. We all know how the boys on Wall Street like to live hard. Between drinking, snorting coke, or popping Vicadin, there's certain to be a dearth of prospects stopping by on their lunch breaks for unexplained chest pain. All the favorite hospitals of New York Magazine are all located in midtown and above, so a downtown hospital that people can trust would be unique and necessary.

Now if you just can't break free from the concept of having a religious entity in the area, one that could provide a certain catharsis for all that transpired there a decade ago, may I suggest a temple that would connect with both national and international congregations. A place where everyone prays to one God without fear of loathing or reprisal.

An Apple Store.

It even looks like a temple, with a big Apple on the front. It brings smiling faces from all over the world, who all speak a common language - Mackintosh. As we traverse through the store, we'll be singing praises to the Apple God - Steve Jobs. And we'll pray. We'll pray that the next iPad has a video camera, or that Verizon will finally win a contract for the iPhone. No political strife, no religious controversy. Just people from all walks of life discussing the future. Discussing the future without forgetting about how these products, through pictures, and old video never let us forget the past. This Apple Store could even run promotions where a percentage of the proceeds go to the victims' families from 9-11 who never got the help they needed.

Now that's a mosque we can all agree on.