American Express Breaks Ground on 2 World Trade Center

American Express Company broke ground on Thursday, July 9, 2026, for its new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The 55-story, 1,226-foot tiered glass and steel tower is the final commercial development within the footprint of the original World Trade Center. Scheduled for completion in 2031, the building will provide 2 million square feet of office space for 10,000 employees and feature more than an acre of outdoor terraces and gardens.

Developed by Silverstein Properties and designed by Foster + Partners, the project is estimated to cost $4 billion. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated the development will create 3,200 jobs and contribute between $6 billion and $11.4 billion to the city's economy, including nearly $250 million in tax revenue. The project is privately funded and received no state, city, or Port Authority incentives.

Officials characterized the tower as a symbolic conclusion to the rebuilding efforts initiated after the September 11 attacks. Kathryn Garcia of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey called the building a proof point that the city is thriving, while City Council Speaker Julie Menin noted the investment as a vital counterpoint to businesses relocating to Florida and Texas.