American Express to Build New HQ at 2 World Trade Center, Completing WTC Campus
American Express to Build New Global Headquarters at 2 World Trade Center
NEW YORK – – American Express announced today plans to construct a new, state-of-the-art global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The project will mark the completion of the final commercial office building on the World Trade Center campus.
Spanning nearly two million square feet across 55 floors, the building will be developed by Silverstein Properties on land owned by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey under a long-term ground lease. Foster + Partners is serving as the design architect for the project. American Express will be the sole occupant of the new headquarters, with an anticipated completion date of 2031.
“The evidence keeps building: there is no better state than New York to do business,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “From flagship corporations to small businesses, we are seeing employers plant their flag in our state for generations to come. Building 2 World Trade Center will bring another iconic skyscraper to Lower Manhattan, create thousands of good-paying union jobs and provide billions in economic benefits to New Yorkers. Thank you to American Express for doubling down on your commitment to New York and to partners at the Port Authority for getting this deal done.”
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani emphasized the project’s impact on the city’s workforce, stating, “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. This project represents thousands of good, union jobs that sustain families and strengthen our communities. When we invest in New York, we must ensure that investment flows to working people — to the carpenters, electricians and laborers who quite literally build this city.”
American Express CEO Stephen J. Squeri described the new headquarters as an investment in the company’s future. “This is an investment in our company’s future, our colleagues, and the Lower Manhattan community, reaffirming our deep commitment to the neighborhood we’ve called home for nearly two centuries,” Squeri said. “Our new headquarters will be more than just a building – it will be a place for our colleagues to feel energized, inspired, and proud – a home for innovation, interaction, and growth.”
The development is expected to generate over 2,000 union construction jobs and a total of 3,200 jobs in New York City throughout the project’s duration. Estimates project an economic contribution of approximately $5.9 billion to New York City and $6.3 billion to the New York State economy.
The new building is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. It will feature flexible and modern workspaces, more than an acre of outdoor space including greenery-filled terraces and gardens with views of the Manhattan skyline, and advanced smart-building technology. The project is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, incorporating fully-electric, energy-efficient systems.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Kathryn Garcia highlighted the significance of the project for Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center campus. “Building 2 World Trade Center marks a major step forward for Lower Manhattan and underscores the strength, vibrancy, and resurgence of the World Trade Center campus and New York,” Garcia said. “This investment advances a fully built-out office complex and reinforces its appeal to iconic global businesses and the workforce that powers them.”
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman Kevin O’Toole added, “Moving forward with the final commercial office building at the World Trade Center marks an important milestone for this campus and for the region. 2 World Trade Center strengthens one of the country’s most significant centers of commerce and transportation and reflects the sustained focus required to advance projects of this scale.”
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford emphasized the long-term economic benefits. “Projects of this scale materially strengthen the long-term performance of the World Trade Center campus and the Port Authority’s overall portfolio. Sustained commercial activity on the campus supports reliable revenue that we invest in the transportation network our region relies on every day.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “New York is the premier hub for global commerce and corporate headquarters, and today’s announcement reinforces why the world’s leading companies continue to choose our state to grow. Empire State Development has long championed the vision that created today’s World Trade Center and applauds American Express and the Port Authority for their partnership.”
Silverstein Properties CEO Lisa Silverstein said, “American Express’ investment to build its new headquarters in this landmark location is a powerful statement about the future of Lower Manhattan. I can’t imagine a better partner to complete the World Trade Center campus than American Express, an iconic institution embodying the strength, resilience, and global significance of the project.”
Foster + Partners Founder and Executive Chairman Norman Foster described the design philosophy behind the building. “The design of the American Express building is rooted in sustainability and well-being, to create a state-of-the-art environment that supports the company’s vision for the future. A network of landscaped terraces and gardens provides generous outdoor spaces and contact with nature in the pursuit of a healthier and more desirable working lifestyle.”
American Express has been headquartered at 200 Vesey Street since 1986 and will remain there until the new tower is completed in 2031. The company will continue to occupy its current headquarters until the transition is finalized.