New York Construction Report staff writer
American Express plans to build a new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, the company announced Thursday.
The nearly 2 million-sq. ft., 55-story tower will be owned and occupied solely by American Express and is expected to open in 2031. The building will host up to 10,000 employees in flexible workspaces and feature more than an acre of outdoor space with terraces and gardens offering views of the Manhattan skyline.
“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,” said Stephen J. Squeri, chairman and chief executive officer. “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 building will include advanced smart-building technology and fully electric, energy-efficient systems, and American Express plans to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. Foster + Partners is the design architect, and Silverstein Properties is the developer.
“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,” said Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners. “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.”
Located at 200 Greenwich Street on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a long-term lease, the project is expected to create more than 3,200 construction-related jobs and contribute an estimated $5.9 billion to the city’s economy and $6.3 billion to the state economy.,
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the project a “testament to the power of union labor and the dignity of work,” highlighting its benefits for carpenters, electricians and laborers. Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority, said the tower strengthens one of the country’s most significant centers of commerce and transportation.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026. American Express will retain its current headquarters at 200 Vesey Street until the new building is ready. The company said the project is not expected to have a material impact on its financial results.
Lisa Silverstein, CEO of Silverstein Properties, called American Express a “powerful partner” for completing the World Trade Center campus, and Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners, said the design emphasizes sustainability and employee well-being.
The project completes the final commercial office tower at the World Trade Center, reinforcing the campus’s role as a hub for business, transit, culture and community.
