The World Trade Center’s final office tower will become the American Express headquarters, with construction expected to begin as soon as this spring.
The financial services giant and New York City’s Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement on Wednesday, nearly 25 years after the 9/11 attacks destroyed the original site.
Dubbed 2 World Trade Center, the 1,226-foot tall tower will be the final stage of redevelopment at the 16-acre site.
American Express will become the sole owner and occupant of the tower when it completes in 2031.
In a statement, CEO of American Express Stephen J. 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.
“We’re excited to work with our partners and local leaders to shape this exciting new era for American Express and Lower Manhattan”
The property has been pegged by developers as what will be “the most sustainable and energy efficient building” in the United States.
The redevelopment is also expected to cement New York City’s reputation as a US business hub.
“The evidence keeps building: there is no better state than New York to do business, and from flagship corporations to small businesses, we are seeing employers plant their flag in our state for generations to come" Hochul said in a statement.
Recently appointed Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, added: “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.”
Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties has been spearheading the development of lower Manhattan since the 2001 terrorist attacks.
His firm partnered with Brookfield Properties to rebuild the World Trade Center Complex, building out three other towers on the site.
The original site was destroyed when al-Qaida terrorists crashed two planes into the twin towers in an attack that also saw planes flown into the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
Almost 3,000 people were killed on the day, with the majority losing their lives at the World Trade Center.
Over time, parties have come together to rebuild the site, including a Sept.11 memorial and museum, as well as a shopping center and skyscrapers.
