American Express has commenced construction of its new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, marking a significant step in the ongoing redevelopment of the World Trade Center campus.
The start of work was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by company executives, government officials and representatives from partner organisations.
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The planned American Express Tower, set to reach nearly 1,250ft in height and span almost two million square feet, will be the final commercial building added to the World Trade Center site.
The project is expected to make a notable contribution to the Manhattan skyline and bring further commercial activity to the area.
The event, held at the construction site, drew government leaders, including New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani; Lisa Silverstein, CEO of Silverstein Properties; along with Kevin O’Toole and Kathryn Garcia of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
It was also attended by Gary LaBarbera, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, as well as community members and project partners.
American Express Enterprise Shared Services president Denise Pickett said: “For American Express, this project is far more than a new headquarters. It is a reaffirmation of our belief in this city, our commitment to our colleagues, and our enduring connection to the community we have proudly called home for nearly two centuries.
“The new American Express Tower will be a place where ideas are sparked, partnerships are forged and innovation thrives. It will bring together talented colleagues from across our company in an environment designed to inspire creativity, strengthen collaboration, and empower people to do the best work of their careers.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “From the union labour who will build this remarkable tower, to the thousands of American Express employees who will work here for generations to come, 2 World Trade Center will be a shining symbol of the resilience, excellence and opportunity that defines Lower Manhattan.”
Mamdani said: “I am proud to welcome American Express’s new global headquarters to Lower Manhattan. This is not just a sign of confidence in the future of our city – it is an investment in thousands of good jobs, the local economy, sustainability and the final piece of the rebuilt World Trade Center. This project will continue to benefit New Yorkers for many decades to come.”
The new headquarters is expected to create more than 3,200 direct and indirect construction jobs in New York City, with an estimated economic impact of about $5.9bn for the city and $6.3bn for New York State.
American Express anticipates moving employees into the completed building in 2031.
American Express confirmed its plans in February to build the new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center.
