Almost 25 years after 9/11 changed our city forever, the final piece of the 16-acre World Trade Center campus is officially falling into place.
Governor Kathy Hochul just joined city leaders and American Express executives to celebrate the groundbreaking of 2 World Trade Center, and this colossal new skyscraper is going to completely reshape the Lower Manhattan skyline.
A monumental new addition to the skyline
Set to rise at 200 Greenwich Street, the incredible new tower will serve as the state-of-the-art global headquarters for American Express.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners and developed by Silverstein Properties, the project is nothing short of massive.
The building will soar 1,226 feet into the air across 55 floors, delivering nearly two million square feet of premium office space.
Once completed in 2031, American Express will be the sole owner and occupant of the high-rise.
The financial giant is moving from its current nearby location at 200 Vesey Street, where they have been headquartered since 1986. They have actually maintained a strong presence in Lower Manhattan since their founding way back in 1850!
Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of this milestone during the ceremony, stating: “Today is a major milestone towards cementing the status of the World Trade Center campus as a premier location in our city for businesses from around the world to grow and thrive. From the union labor who will build this remarkable tower, to the thousands of American Express employees who will work here for generations to come, 2 World Trade Center will be a shining symbol of the resilience, excellence and opportunity that defines Lower Manhattan.”
What to expect inside and out
The dazzling new 2 World Trade Center is being custom-built with modern workers and the environment in mind.
The design focuses heavily on sustainability and employee wellness while adding a very cool aesthetic to the Financial District.
Here is a quick look at some of the stunning features coming to the new tower:
- Green spaces: The building will boast over an acre of lush outdoor space spread across multiple greenery-filled terraces and gardens with sweeping views of the city skyline.
- Green energy: As a fully electric building with energy-efficient systems, the project is actively pursuing a prestigious LEED certification.
- Massive capacity: Flexible and modern workspaces will have the capacity to host up to 10,000 employees.
American Express President of Enterprise Shared Services Denise Pickett echoed the excitement for the new space, adding: “For American Express, this project is far more than a new headquarters. It is a reaffirmation of our belief in this city, our commitment to our colleagues, and our enduring connection to the community we have proudly called home for nearly two centuries.”
Boosting the local economy
Beyond bringing a striking new architectural marvel to the neighborhood, the project is a huge win for the local economy.
The construction phase alone will generate over 2,000 union jobs and 3,200 total jobs across the city.
This monumental undertaking is expected to pump an estimated $5.9 billion into the New York City economy and $6.3 billion to the New York State economy overall.
“A tower this size doesn’t just create jobs inside its walls, it powers the delis, coffee shops and corner restaurants for blocks in every direction,” said Manhattan Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jessica Walker.
“Ten thousand people coming to work in Lower Manhattan every day is rocket fuel for the small businesses that give this neighborhood its character. American Express is planting a flag, and an entire commercial ecosystem is going to grow up around it.”
It is going to be incredibly exciting to watch this final commercial tower take shape over the next few years and bring the original vision for the rebuilt World Trade Center campus to life.