Buildings
Foster + Partners Designs American Express Global Headquarters
Final commercial office building at World Trade Center will be 55 stories and span nearly 2 million sq ft
The new American Express headquarters at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan will be a 55-floor building with more than an acre of outdoor space and several greenery-filled terraces and gardens.
The final commercial office building at the World Trade Center will finally be developed after American Express announced plans on Feb. 25 to build its global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan—moving from its 200 Vesey St. location after 40 years.
The credit card giant's new building is being developed on Port Authority of New York and New Jersey property under a long-term ground lease. Amex is the sole owner and occupant of the building, expected to be completed in 2031 at 200 Greenwich Street.
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The project “marks an important milestone for this campus and for the region," Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority, said in a statement. "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.”
Turner Construction is responsible for building the project's core and shell, said an Amex spokesperson who did not disclose the project value.
Foster + Partners is the design architect for the electric-powered building, which is being developed by Silverstein Properties. The project spans nearly 2 million sq. ft. across 55 floors and will have capacity for up to 10,000 workers in flexible workspaces, including more than one acre of outdoor space with several greenery-filled terraces and gardens.
“The design of the American Express building is rooted in sustainability and well-being, to create a state-of-the-art environment that supports the company’s vision for the future,” Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners said in a statement. “A network of landscaped terraces and gardens provides generous outdoor spaces and contact with nature in the pursuit of a healthier and more desirable working lifestyle.”
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The development is expected to create more than 3,200 direct and indirect construction-related jobs, officials said, contributing about $5.9 billion to the city’s economy and $6.3 billion to New York state's.
“As the final piece of the World Trade Center site comes together, New York sees yet another global financial powerhouse–just like JPMorgan Chase last year" locate in Manhattan, Carlo A. Scissura, president and CEO of the New York Building Congress, said in a statement.
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"These giants know the talent pool here is worth their investment, and in turn that investment draws even more people to New York as they seek out a better future," he added. "Now we need to make New York more affordable by building that potential workforce more housing!”
Construction is planned to advance this spring.
“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,” Stephen J. Squeri, chairman and CEO of American Express, said in a statement. “We’re excited to work with our partners and local leaders to shape this exciting new era for American Express and Lower Manhattan."
