The final piece of New York City's World Trade Center is finally set to rise nearly 25 years after 9/11 destroyed the original Twin Towers.
Plans for the new 55-story structure were unveiled Wednesday by American Express which plans to use the site as its new headquarters.
Governor Kathy Hochul joined the credit card giant to announce that construction on 2 World Trade Center could begin as early as spring.
The milestone arrives almost a quarter-century after the September 11, 2001 attacks, when al-Qaeda terrorists flew hijacked planes into the twin towers, leaving nearly 3,000 dead.
Its completion, expected in 2031, will mark the final chapter in the long redevelopment of the 16-acre World Trade Center campus destroyed more than two decades ago.
'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,' Hochul said.
More than 2,000 union construction jobs - and 3,200 jobs in total - are projected in the Big Apple as the massive project moves forward.
The final skyscraper alone is expected to pump roughly $5.9 billion into the city's economy and a total of $6.3 billion into New York State, according to officials.
The final piece of New York City's World Trade Center - 2 World Trade Center (plans pictured) - is set to rise nearly 25 years after 9/11, with American Express claiming it as its future headquarters
Governor Kathy Hochul joined the credit card giant Wednesday to unveil plans to start construction as early as spring, closing out the final office tower at ground zero
The milestone arrives almost a quarter-century after the September 11, 2001 attacks, when al-Qaeda terrorists flew hijacked planes into the twin towers, leaving nearly 3,000 dead
The tower at 200 Greenwich Street will span roughly two million square feet at the site’s northeastern corner.
American Express CEO Stephen Squeri called the building 'an investment in our company and the community,' adding that it will generate 'billions in economic benefits to New Yorkers'.
He also said the move reaffirms the company’s 'deep commitment to the neighborhood we’ve called home for nearly two centuries'.
American Express has long invested in its workforce since setting up its current headquarters at 200 Vesey Street in 1986.
'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 CEO said.
'We're excited to work with our partners and local leaders to shape this exciting new era for American Express and Lower Manhattan.'
The project will stand as a powerful symbol of renewal, overcoming years of engineering, financial and political hurdles - not to mention the public debates - that long stalled reconstruction at the site.
It also comes amid efforts by other states, including Florida, to lure companies away from New York.
'The evidence keeps building: There is no better state than New York to do business,' Hochul said Wednesday.
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Its completion, expected in 2031, will mark the final chapter in the long redevelopment of the 16-acre World Trade Center Campus destroyed two decades ago
American Express CEO Stephen Squeri (pictured) called the building 'an investment in our company and the community' adding that it will generate 'billions in economic benefits to New Yorkers'
The final skyscraper alone is expected to pump roughly $5.9 billion into the city's economy and a total of $6.3 billion into New York State
More than 2,000 union construction jobs - and 3,200 jobs in total - are projected in the Big Apple as the massive project moves forward
'From flagship corporations to small businesses, we are seeing employers plant their flag in our state for generations to come,' she added.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani applauded the development, calling it 'more than just an investment' in the city of over eight million. He described it instead as '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,' Mamdani said.
'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.'
The site, currently home to a small building featuring vibrant graffiti murals and a beer garden, is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey through a long-term ground lease.
Silverstein Properties is set to develop the skyscraper, while Foster + Partners will handle the architectural design.
The new building’s price tag remains uncertain, with no funding or incentives coming from the state, city or Port Authority, Port Authority spokesperson Tom Topousis told The Orange County Register.
The site, currently home to a small building featuring vibrant graffiti murals and a beer garden (pictured), is owned by the Port Authority through a long-term ground lease
Mayor Zohran Mamdani applauded the development, calling it 'more than just an investment' in the city of over eight million
Port Authority executive director Kathryn Garcia said that 2 World Trade Center '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,' she said.
'It adds to the momentum of a site that supports work, transit, culture, tourism and community on a daily basis.'
The tower will provide space for 10,000 colleagues, officials said.
Greenery-filled terraces, landscaped gardens and sweeping Manhattan skyline views are just some of the features included in the city’s plans.
The project will also integrate state-of-the-art smart-building technology and fully electric, energy-efficient systems, with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification also in the works.
Plans initially envisioned constructing an 80-story skyscraper, attracting interest from companies like News Corp. and the former 21st Century Fox, according to The Orange County Register.
But like other towers at the World Trade Center, the project spent years overcoming financing and tenant hurdles which intensified after the 2020 pandemic emptied offices and shook confidence in future space needs.
The final tower will join 1 World Trade Center, other office towers and the September 11 Memorial and Museum on the property
Developer Larry Silverstein, 94, has always insisted the project would move forward, his daughter and CEO, Lisa Silverstein, said
Developer Larry Silverstein, 94, has always insisted the project would move forward, his daughter and CEO, Lisa Silverstein, said, according to the outlet.
'American Express’ investment to build its new headquarters in this landmark location is a powerful statement about the future of Lower Manhattan,' she said.
'I can’t imagine a better partner to complete the World Trade Center campus than American Express, an iconic institution embodying the strength, resilience and global significance of the project.'
The final tower will join 1 World Trade Center, other office towers, the September 11 Memorial and Museum.
