American Express Finalizes 2M-SF Office Deal at 2 World Trade Center

Financial institution to occupy 55 floors in new Lower Manhattan tower

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:18pm

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American Express has finalized a deal to become the sole anchor tenant at 2 World Trade Center, occupying 55 floors in the nearly 2 million-square-foot office tower being built on land leased from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. AmEx's new global headquarters, designed by Foster + Partners, is scheduled for completion in 2031 and will accommodate 10,000 employees.

Why it matters

The deal represents a major investment in Lower Manhattan by a flagship corporation, reaffirming the area's status as a premier business district. The new headquarters will bring thousands of jobs and economic benefits to the local community.

The details

Under the agreement, AmEx will relocate from its current offices at 200 Vesey Street, where it has been based since 1986. The financial institution's move to the new 2 World Trade Center building, which is being developed by Silverstein Properties, will create more than 2,000 union construction jobs and 3,200 total jobs in New York City during the project's duration.

  • AmEx began talks for the 2 World Trade Center deal almost two years ago.
  • The new headquarters is scheduled for completion in 2031.

The players

American Express

A major financial institution that will become the sole anchor tenant at 2 World Trade Center, occupying 55 floors in the new office tower.

Silverstein Properties

The real estate development company that is building 2 World Trade Center on land leased from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who praised the deal as a sign of the state's business-friendly environment.

Stephen Squeri

The CEO of American Express, who said the new headquarters will be "a place for our colleagues to feel energized, inspired and proud."

Lisa Silverstein

The CEO of Silverstein Properties, who called American Express "a powerful statement about the future of Lower Manhattan."

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What they’re saying

“The evidence keeps building: There is no better state than New York to do business. From flagship corporations to small businesses, we are seeing employers plant their flag in our state for generations to come.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (commercialobserver.com)

“This is an investment in our company's future, our colleagues, and the Lower Manhattan community, reaffirming our deep commitment to the neighborhood we've called home for nearly two centuries. 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 Squeri, CEO, American Express (commercialobserver.com)

“American Express' investment to build its new headquarters in this landmark location is a powerful statement about the future of Lower Manhattan. 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.”

— Lisa Silverstein, CEO, Silverstein Properties (commercialobserver.com)

What’s next

The new 2 World Trade Center headquarters is scheduled for completion in 2031.

The takeaway

This deal solidifies Lower Manhattan's status as a premier business district, attracting major corporations like American Express to invest in the area's future. The new headquarters will bring thousands of jobs and economic benefits to the local community, demonstrating the resilience and global significance of the World Trade Center redevelopment project.