American Express to break ground on tower next month at Two World Trade Center — major milestone for tragic site

Groundbreaking Ceremony for American Express Tower at Two World Trade Center

Excitement is building as preparations are made for the groundbreaking of the American Express tower at Two World Trade Center on July 9. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to fully replace the Twin Towers and other structures destroyed during the tragic events of 9/11.

The event will be a cause for celebration in New York, with Downtown Alliance President Jessica Lappin humorously remarking, “It will be a banner day for New York and since it’s Amex, it’s a banner made of platinum and gold.”

Developer Larry Silverstein, known for his work on other World Trade Center towers, will oversee the construction of the 55-story project for Amex. Despite challenges in securing an anchor tenant, the project is set to move forward with an estimated cost of up to $4 billion.

The tower, designed by Foster + Partners, will feature unique elements such as exposed corner gardens and large terraces within its glass curtain wall design.

Construction work has been ongoing underground for months, with vertical core construction set to begin in August. The structural steel is expected to start rising in late spring 2027, aiming for completion in 2030.

CEO Lisa Silverstein of Silverstein Properties expressed her excitement about partnering with American Express, highlighting the institution’s significance in completing the World Trade Center campus.

The groundbreaking ceremony on July 9 will be attended by executives from Amex, government officials, the Port Authority, and real estate representatives, with expectations of the governor and mayor’s presence.

Even Mayor Mamdani, known for his stance on union labor, is anticipated to attend the event, recognizing the project’s significance in promoting work ethics and labor dignity.