A quick sketch of the Near Ground Zero Mosque

The New York Times offered a first look this weekend inside the proposed Islamic center for lower Manhattan. You know, the one formerly referred to—seemingly around the clock in August—as the Ground Zero Mosque.

The story includes artist renderings of the lattice exterior. Here’s an excerpt:

The design was meant to show “hints of tradition,” while the use of modern materials and glass panels would give an impression of translucence and “moving toward the future,” Sharif el-Gamal, the project’s developer, said in an interview last week.

The planners have not begun to raise the $140 million needed for construction or hired an architect.

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There would also be a 9/11 memorial and a space open to people of “all faiths and of no faith” for prayer, contemplation and meditation, Mr. Gamal said.

Read the rest here.

A few quick thoughts. First, if they haven’t even begun to raise the money, this proposed plan is going to periodically appear in the news every so often for at least a few years. Second, this building looks nothing like any mosque I’ve ever seen. And, lastly, I’m surprised there would be an ecumenical prayer area.