Construction is officially underway on the last commercial office tower planned for the World Trade Center campus in Lower Manhattan, marking another major milestone in the long-running redevelopment of the site.
Turner Construction began work on 2 World Trade Center on July 9. The 2 million-square-foot skyscraper will serve as the future global headquarters of American Express. According to project officials, the tower is expected to be completed in 2031.
Rising approximately 1,226 feet above New York City’s Financial District, the building will become one of the tallest structures in Lower Manhattan. Once finished, it will accommodate up to 10,000 employees in modern, flexible office spaces designed to meet evolving workplace needs.
The project is expected to create thousands of union construction jobs during development. Officials confirmed that union labor will be used for core interior construction activities as well as shell and structural work throughout the project.
Sustainable Design Features
Beyond providing office space, the tower has been designed with sustainability and employee wellness in mind.
Plans call for more than one acre of outdoor space, including landscaped terraces and garden areas that will offer occupants access to greenery within the dense urban environment. The development team also plans to pursue LEED certification and incorporate fully electric, energy-efficient building systems to reduce environmental impact.
The project reflects New York City’s continued focus on sustainable commercial development while strengthening the World Trade Center district as a hub for business and innovation.
Final Piece of the World Trade Center Redevelopment
The groundbreaking represents the completion of a vision that began after the September 11 attacks. As the final commercial office tower planned for the World Trade Center complex, 2 World Trade Center will complete the site’s office component while complementing the surrounding memorial, museum, transportation hub, and performing arts center.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole described the project as an important step in fulfilling the commitment to rebuild the World Trade Center site while honoring its historical significance.
When complete, the tower will stand alongside the other World Trade Center buildings as a symbol of Lower Manhattan’s continued growth and resilience.
Turner Selected Earlier This Year
American Express selected Turner Construction in February to build its new headquarters at the World Trade Center site. While officials have not publicly disclosed the project’s total construction cost, the development is expected to rank among the most significant office projects currently underway in New York City.
The tower is scheduled to open in 2031, bringing a major corporate headquarters and thousands of workers to Lower Manhattan.
