Final commercial tower to rise in Lower Manhattan
American Express will construct a new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center, completing the last commercial tower on the 16-acre campus in Lower Manhattan. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the project, describing it as a major step in the continued redevelopment of the World Trade Center site.
The 55-story skyscraper will span nearly two million square feet at 200 Greenwich Street. The tower is scheduled to open in 2031.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the broader significance of the project, saying, “The completion of the final commercial tower at the World Trade Center is more than an investment — it’s a testament to the power of union labor and the dignity of work.”
Construction timeline and economic impact
The building will rise on land owned by the Port Authority, with construction expected to begin in spring 2026. Officials project completion by 2031.
According to state estimates, the development will create more than 2,000 union construction jobs and about 3,200 total jobs across New York City during the life of the project. The initiative is forecast to generate roughly $5.9 billion in economic activity for the city and $6.3 billion statewide.
Governor Hochul highlighted the state’s business climate, saying recent investments reinforce New York’s appeal for major corporations.
Design and sustainability features
The new headquarters will be fully electric and built with advanced smart-building systems and energy-efficient technologies. Plans include the pursuit of LEED certification.
The tower is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 employees in flexible workspaces aimed at encouraging collaboration and innovation. It will also feature more than an acre of outdoor terraces and landscaped gardens offering skyline views.
Corporate commitment to Lower Manhattan
American Express CEO Stephen J. Squeri described the project as both a forward-looking investment and a reaffirmation of the company’s nearly 200-year presence in Lower Manhattan.
“Our new headquarters will be more than just a building,” Squeri said. “It will be a place for our colleagues to feel energized, inspired, and proud — a home for innovation, interaction, and growth.”
Once completed, 2 World Trade Center will represent the final commercial chapter in the redevelopment of the historic campus and a new milestone for Lower Manhattan’s economic future.