American Express has revealed plans for a new headquarters at 2 World Trade Center, reinvigorating the lower Manhattan skyline. Designed by Foster + Partners, the 55‑story tower will encompass nearly two million square feet of office space and feature stepped terraces and lush rooftop gardens intended to provide employees with access to greenery in the urban core. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and conclude in 2031.

The building aims to achieve high standards of sustainability, using smart‑building technologies to optimize energy consumption and natural ventilation. Floor plates are organized to maximize daylight penetration while still offering flexible workspaces for up to 10,000 employees. Public retail and cultural spaces at the base will connect the tower to the surrounding neighborhood, enhancing pedestrian activity in the area.

By committing to a long‑term project in the World Trade Center complex, American Express signals confidence in New York’s continuing evolution as a business hub.

The design’s emphasis on terraces and gardens reflects a broader trend of incorporating biophilic elements into corporate architecture, addressing employee wellbeing and environmental responsibility in equal measure.