American Express will establish its new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The new building will be the final commercial office structure on the World Trade Center campus and is scheduled for completion in 2031.
The planned headquarters will cover nearly two million square feet over 55 floors. Silverstein Properties will develop the building on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a long-term lease agreement. Foster + Partners has been named as the design architect. American Express will occupy the entire building.
Governor Hochul said, “The evidence keeps building: There is no better state than New York to do business. 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 added, “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. That’s how we grow our skyline and our economy at the same time: by putting working New Yorkers first.”
American Express CEO Stephen J. Squeri stated, “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. 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. We’re excited to work with our partners and local leaders to shape this exciting new era for American Express and Lower Manhattan.”
Located at 200 Greenwich Street within a 16-acre site, construction is expected to start in spring 2026. The development aims to generate over 2,000 union construction jobs during its build phase as well as approximately 3,200 total jobs in New York City throughout its duration. Economic impact estimates suggest about $5.9 billion contributed to New York City’s economy and $6.3 billion statewide.
The headquarters will include modern features designed for collaboration and employee well-being with flexible workspace layouts capable of hosting up to 10,000 staff members across its floors. The design includes more than an acre of outdoor terraces with gardens overlooking Manhattan’s skyline and incorporates advanced smart-building technology along with fully electric systems aimed at achieving LEED certification.
Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said: “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. This investment advances a fully built-out office complex and reinforces its appeal to iconic global businesses and the workforce that powers them. It adds to the momentum of a site that supports work, transit, culture, tourism, and community on a daily basis.”
Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of Port Authority of New York & New Jersey commented: “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.”
Jeffrey Lynford, Vice Chairman at Port Authority noted: “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. I’m grateful to the Port Authority team and our partners for their hard work in getting this agreement across the finish line.”
Hope Knight from Empire State Development said: “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 to build AMEX’s global headquarters on the complex’s final commercial site — an unmistakable endorsement of Lower Manhattan’s strength and New York’s resilience.”
Lisa Silverstein from Silverstein Properties stated: “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 strength resilience;and global significance.”
Norman Foster from Foster + Partners added: “The design of American Express building is rooted in sustainability & well-being;to create state-of-the-art environment supporting company vision future.A network landscaped terraces gardens provides generous outdoor spaces contact nature pursuit healthier desirable working lifestyle.”
American Express moved into its current headquarters at 200 Vesey Street in 1986;it plans remain there until relocation begins upon project completion.