American Express Announces New Global Headquarters at 2 World Trade Center
American Express (NYSE: AXP) has unveiled plans to construct a new state-of-the-art global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The company will be the sole owner and occupant of the building, with completion targeted for 2031. The new headquarters will be custom-designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being while reinforcing American Express’s long-standing presence in New York City.
Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and CEO, stated, “This is an investment in our company’s future, our colleagues, and the Lower Manhattan community. Our new headquarters will be more than just a building — it will be a space where colleagues feel energized, inspired, and proud, a home for innovation, interaction, and growth.”
Design and Capacity
The building will span nearly two million square feet across 55 floors, accommodating up to 10,000 colleagues in flexible, modern workspaces that encourage creativity and collaboration. It will include over an acre of outdoor space featuring terraces and greenery-filled gardens, offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
Equipped with advanced smart-building technology and fully-electric, energy-efficient systems, the headquarters aims to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Foster + Partners is the design architect, and Silverstein Properties is the developer.
Location and Ownership
The headquarters will be situated at 200 Greenwich Street on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a long-term ground lease. American Express’s investment highlights a commitment to innovation, technology, and the economic vitality of Downtown Manhattan.
The project is projected to generate over 3,200 direct and indirect construction-related jobs, contributing approximately $5.9 billion to New York City’s economy and $6.3 billion to New York State.
History and Continuity
American Express has been headquartered at 200 Vesey Street since 1986, making significant investments over the years to support employees and contribute to the neighborhood’s vibrancy. The current headquarters will remain in use until the completion of the new building in 2031, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
The project is not expected to have a material impact on American Express’s financial results.
Official Statements
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, said, “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 reaffirming your commitment to New York.”
Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority, added, “The final commercial office building at the World Trade Center marks an important milestone. 2 World Trade Center strengthens one of the nation’s most significant centers of commerce and transportation.”
Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director of the Port Authority, noted, “The project underscores the strength and resurgence of the World Trade Center campus, reinforcing its appeal to iconic global businesses and the workforce that powers them.”
Jeffrey Lynford, Vice Chairman of the Port Authority, emphasized the project’s role in sustaining long-term commercial activity and supporting the regional transportation network.
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, highlighted the project’s impact on union labor, stating, “This project represents thousands of good union jobs that strengthen our communities. Investing in New York means investing in working New Yorkers — carpenters, electricians, and laborers who build this city.”
Project Partners
Lisa Silverstein, CEO of Silverstein Properties, said, “American Express’s investment in this landmark location is a strong statement about Lower Manhattan’s future. The company is an ideal partner to complete the World Trade Center campus.”
Norman Foster, Founder of Foster + Partners, added, “The design emphasizes sustainability and well-being. Landscaped terraces and gardens provide outdoor spaces that promote a healthier, more desirable working environment.”
Key Features
- Size and Capacity: 55 floors, nearly 2 million sq. ft., 10,000 colleagues
- Outdoor Spaces: Over an acre of terraces and gardens
- Technology and Sustainability: Smart-building systems, fully-electric, LEED certification
- Construction Timeline: Begins spring 2026, completion in 2031
- Economic Impact: 3,200+ construction jobs, ~$5.9B contribution to NYC, $6.3B to NY State
Commitment to Lower Manhattan
The new headquarters reflects American Express’s deep roots in New York City and dedication to creating a modern workspace that supports innovation, collaboration, and well-being. It will serve as a central hub for employees while contributing to the economic and cultural vibrancy of Lower Manhattan.
Source Link: https://www.businesswire.com/
