The new American Express Tower will be the final commercial building to complete the World Trade Center campus redevelopment and will become a landmark addition to the Manhattan skyline. The project is expected to create more than 3,200 direct and indirect construction jobs during development and contribute an estimated $5.9 billion to the New York City economy and $6.3 billion to the New York State economy. American Express expects to begin welcoming employees to the building in 2031.

Opening the event, Denise Pickett, President of Enterprise Shared Services at American Express, reflected on the company’s more than 175 year history in Lower Manhattan.

“For American Express, this project is far more than a new headquarters. It is a reaffirmation of our belief in this city, our commitment to our colleagues and our enduring connection to the community we have proudly called home for nearly two centuries. Since our founding in 1850, New York has shaped who we are, and in turn, we have sought to contribute to its growth, vitality and success. Today’s groundbreaking marks the next chapter in that shared story.”

Speaking about the vision for the company’s new headquarters, Pickett added:

“The new American Express Tower will be a place where ideas are sparked, partnerships are forged and innovation thrives. It will bring together talented colleagues from across our company in an environment designed to inspire creativity, strengthen collaboration and empower people to do the best work of their careers. Most importantly, it will reflect who we are as a company: forward looking, customer focused and committed to creating meaningful opportunities for future generations.”

Throughout the ceremony, speakers underscored the importance of the project not only for American Express, but also for Lower Manhattan and New York City and New York State.

Lisa Silverstein, CEO of Silverstein Properties, reflected on the World Trade Center’s legacy and transformation over the past two decades.

“This is an important milestone for our city, American Express and Silverstein Properties. But it also symbolizes triumph, and what can be accomplished in this country following what happened here nearly 25 years ago.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said:

“I am proud to welcome American Express’s new global headquarters to Lower Manhattan. This is not just a sign of confidence in the future of our city. It is an investment in thousands of good jobs, the local economy, sustainability and the final piece of the rebuilt World Trade Center. This project will continue to benefit New Yorkers for many decades to come.”

Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, spoke about the role the new American Express Tower will play in completing the World Trade Center campus.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, starting construction of 2 World Trade Center is not just a significant step forward for Lower Manhattan, but it is also an inspiring demonstration of New York’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity. This investment by American Express in a new, state of the art tower advances our shared goal of completing the restoration of the World Trade Center as a site that supports commerce, remembrance, culture, community, transit and tourism for all the world to see.”

Echoing those remarks, Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said:

“Today’s groundbreaking for the final commercial tower at the World Trade Center is an important milestone in fulfilling a promise made 25 years ago to rebuild, to restore and to remember in the aftermath of 9/11. A new 2 World Trade Center, overlooking a magnificent memorial and museum and alongside a performing arts center, will strengthen one of our nation’s most important centers for commerce, culture and remembrance.”

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, emphasized the project’s importance for New York’s workforce.

“The groundbreaking at 2 World Trade Center represents a critical milestone for this project that not only represents a reinvestment into our city, but a commitment to creating thousands of good paying union careers for hardworking New Yorkers. This brand new headquarters in Downtown Manhattan will not only represent a new chapter for American Express, but also for the tradesmen and tradeswomen who will now have the opportunities to pursue the middle class and support their families. Our members are eager to leverage their skills and craftsmanship to help efficiently push forward this next step in successfully rebuilding the World Trade Center campus.”