New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says work is now underway on 2 World Trade Center, nearly 25 years after the September 11 attacks reshaped Lower Manhattan.
The start of construction marks a milestone that has been decades in the making since the events of September 11, 2001, when 19 al-Qaeda hijackers seized four passenger planes and carried out coordinated attacks, including the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place at the Lower Manhattan site on July 9 for the tower, which is intended to serve as American Express’ new global headquarters and has been named 2 World Trade Center by the site’s developers.
The project was first announced in February 2026, when state officials said American Express would move into the building as the sole occupant. The tower will be developed by Silverstein Properties on Port Authority land and is expected to be completed in 2031.
During a press conference, Mamdani said:
“This headquarters will contribute roughly $11.4 billion towards our economy, including nearly $250 million in tax revenue that will go towards paving potholes, improving schools and planting trees. It will also be a story of commitment to this city.”
The skyscraper is expected to cover close to two million square feet across 55 stories and rise to 1,226 feet, making it one of the most prominent additions to the Lower Manhattan skyline.
Gary LaBarbera, president of the New York Building Trades Council, also addressed the significance of the project, saying:
“World Trade Center. Never forget. It’s not a slogan. It should be a commitment.”
In total, 2,977 people were killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Once completed, the building will house around 10,000 American Express staff members, while the development phase itself is expected to generate thousands of jobs.
Denise Pickett said:
“For American Express it’s far more than a new headquarters. While many questioned what the future will hold, American express chose to stay.”
She added:
“And as we approach the 25th anniversary of those tragic events, we reaffirm that choice.”
Work is already progressing, with crews moving ahead on early-stage construction.
About 100 workers were reportedly at the site carrying out excavation connected to elevator systems, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, while the tower is currently scheduled to open in 2031.
The building will stand just north of the Oculus transportation hub, an area that serves roughly 200,000 to 250,000 passengers each day.
The project is also being framed as the final commercial office building in the rebuilt World Trade Center campus, helping round out the 16-acre site that has been redeveloped over the last two decades.
Mamdani also said:
“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.”