NEW YORK | 200 Greenwich - 2 WTC | 1,226 FT | 55 FLOORS

[TREPYE]

Originally Posted by O-tacular

This looks like the Temu version of 2WTC.

Welp, it has certainly been genericized.... Or to put it kindly, unoriginal (on top of being boring).

Originally Posted by Streetsccapes

That is a wonderfully executed representation by TREPYE of the new 2WTC design sitting amongst its peers. I represent myself on this site with the Call name, streetscapes. The reason being is I paint pictures that are mostly streetscapes. When I looked at how the building would look, it was as an artist would look at it. Composition and balance are very important in a picture and what stood out to me is it is begging for something to adorn the top of it and bring it a bit more up to par with its big brother standing tall next to it. I’m talking something simple, that’s all it needs just to give it a little bit more presence. Something to break up the redundancy of the flat top buildings around it, e.g. A spindle style spire with some gravitas integrated into the roof of the building. I remain streetscapes.

You wanna see a metaphorical representation of developers sticking their heads in the sand, like ostriches during a thunderstorm, ask the real CHEAP ones like Low-End-Larry Silverstein, Barnett, Macklowe to adorn their billion dollar investment in project that contribute to the aesthetic that their buildings thrive of when taking in views of the ESB or Chrysler Building..... They love to take the view in of the majestic NYC skyline, but they wont contribute to it if it means they lose negligible profit.


In other words, some developers are reluctant to invest in projects that enhance the aesthetic value of their buildings, even when these developments contribute to the iconic views of landmarks such as the Empire State Building or Chrysler Building. While they appreciate and benefit from the grandeur of the New York City skyline, they tend to avoid investing in its improvement if it may result in a slight reduction of their profits. They're the WORST.

[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2026/04/22/real-estate/a-look-inside-the-latest-crop-of-nyc-super-towers/

Inside the new ultra-towers set to transform the NYC skyline in the coming years





By Lois Weiss
April 22, 2026

.....Another company on the move is American Express. After a stressful two years of negotiating a complex transaction, the company has taken over Larry Silverstein’s lease with the Port Authority for the land that the new 2 World Trade Center will stand on. The last missing piece of the WTC’s 16 acres, it will finally be completed in 2031 by the soon to be 95-year-old Silverstein.

The land lease with Port Authority for the 55-story, nearly 2 million square-foot edifice includes options for both a purchase and a renewal option to extend the deal to for a full 99 years — a major long-term commitment to the city by a global financial company.

Silverstein has enough proposals to fill 800,000 square feet at 7 WTC at asking rents of $120 to $140 per foot — ironically because tenant Moody’s will move to the lower portion of Brookfield’s 200 Vesey St., right under American Express’s current office.

[ChiND]

I was there on 9-11-01 and am elated that this beautiful tower is rising.

[Robin~]

This most recent design is hot garbage - infill-level architecture in a spot that demands so much more.

[Zapatan]

Originally Posted by Robin~

This most recent design is hot garbage - infill-level architecture in a spot that demands so much more.

People probably thought the same about the original WTC.

I actually think this is one of the best towers in the complex.

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

People probably thought the same about the original WTC.

I actually think this is one of the best towers in the complex.

with arguably kinda bland designs its all in the materials.

however, if the materials are as high quality as the other wtc buildings it will be fine and i agree with you it could be the best of the lot of them.

my only complaint is i definitely do not like the blank south streetwall.

it’s a high ped traffic area, so it needs a few shops or something.

[Robin~]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

People probably thought the same about the original WTC.

To be fair, the original Twin Towers were some of the ugliest structures humanity has ever erected.

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by Robin~

To be fair, the original Twin Towers were some of the ugliest structures humanity has ever erected.

ridiculous -- i was not enamored with them or anything, but they were not even the ugliest buildings in nyc.

if you ever come here to visit go see the fit campus or that con ed/cvs crap in downtown brooklyn on flatbush, just for two examples.

[weatherguru18]

Originally Posted by Robin~

This most recent design is hot garbage - infill-level architecture in a spot that demands so much more.

I totally agree. This building is so unbecoming of a site that demands not only an architectural masterpiece but something that signifies a rebirth of strength, unity, and resolve.

Not only is this building bland as hospital potatoes, but the entire complex, including WTC 1, the "Freedom Tower", is a disaster. The footprints? Okay, that's a nice feature but that's about where it ends.

The amount of people on here who continuously claim how "gorgeous" this building is, I have to wonder if your eyes have failed you or if you've mistaken a proposed high-rise in Dubai for this default setting of a building.

Rant over.

[ajbeaver25]

Originally Posted by Robin~

To be fair, the original Twin Towers were some of the ugliest structures humanity has ever erected.

During the day they were pretty ugly but at night they were one of the coolest towers of all time

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by weatherguru18

The amount of people on here who continuously claim how "gorgeous" this building is, I have to wonder if your eyes have failed you or if you've mistaken a proposed high-rise in Dubai for this default setting of a building.

Maybe your eyes have failed you. Ever consider that? People are going to have different opinions, no shock there. This tower is fine, and is a much better design than the original towers. It's also the design that will finally get this tower built. You don't have to love it. But you can always dream of something "better". The reality is what gets built.

[NYguy]

https://nypost.com/2026/04/30/business/w...s-as-leasing-frenzy-boosts-asking-rents/



This sign is the first tangible evidence of the supertall Amex tower to come.
Steve Cuozzo

Underground work has begun on long-awaited 2 WTC, which Silverstein is building for American Express as its new headquarters. The Norman Foster-designed supertall will come out of the ground early next year.

[ChiND]

Mr. Silverstein got it done! I hope that he lives long enough to see it top out! I suspect that he will.



Could you imagine the unfettered euphoria if this were rising in any other city?

[pico44]

Originally Posted by ajbeaver25

During the day they were pretty ugly but at night they were one of the coolest towers of all time

I agree with this statement 100%. The twin towers at night were among the beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life. The simplicity was key to the drama when they became lanterns in the evening. One of the reasons the BIG proposal for WTC 2 was my favorite was that it would look as dramatic as the old WTC, especially at night. Echoing the size of the old buildings, and recalling the uncomplicated shape the buildings created on the skyline, but not simply copying the past. I just thought it was perfect. This will be really good too! —the negative Nancies are all wrong—Just not quite as great as it could have been.

[Solarian]

Originally Posted by pico44

I agree with this statement 100%. The twin towers at night were among the beautiful things I’ve ever seen in my life. The simplicity was key to the drama when they became lanterns in the evening. One of the reasons the BIG proposal for WTC 2 was my favorite was that it would look as dramatic as the old WTC, especially at night. Echoing the size of the old buildings, and recalling the uncomplicated shape the buildings created on the skyline, but not simply copying the past. I just thought it was perfect. This will be really good too! —the negative Nancies are all wrong—Just not quite as great as it could have been.

I also love how the big proposal leaned into one wtc. My unpopular opinion is that I think each of the 3 2wtc designs are very nice, but the current design is arguably the safest of the 3

[The_Dutchman]

After following the complex pretty much since the attacks from across the pond, I'm just glad 2WTC finally gets build. I will always keep my opinion that the diamond shaped design was the best one, also to stand out between the many flat roofs in the cities.

But seeing what we could've get the other way around, this is the best 2nd option. BIG's design was in my eyes terrible, it look like it was tumbling over and had very ugly massing (if I write that correct) from different angles. This design also has a tapered/staircase like stacking sadly. But that was to keep it's height sort of intact when they cut back floor sizes I presume....

It is what it is...

[Robin~]

Something I would love to document more is the current place that the Foster design for WTC2 already has in popular culture. The renderings have been out long enough that I've seen the 'finished' tower included in everything from postcards to childrens' books. I've even seen it on a vinyl-sticker skyline on the front window of a dry cleaners...

[Michagain]

This is all so subjective. It's like standing at the Met, opining over paintings and debating which is objectively better. Personally, I see the original World Trade Center and the new complex as two very different things sharing a common label.

Sometimes the strongest symbols are the simplest ones. The original complex was a unified sculpture; unapologetically dominating and supremely confident. No fluff necessary. Relatively void of detail and reminiscent of the Monolith from "2001: A Space Odyssey". An impersonal presence. Strictly business.

The new WTC isn't so much a complex than it is a neighborhood. Individual buildings that, in my eyes, are each their own. They fit in rather than dominate. Part of the pile of buildings downtown, in a good way.

In my own personal view, which is not right or wrong, I liked the dramatic presence of the two symbolic monoliths. They were unmistakable. Part of why I preferred the much-hated stacked box version of 2 WTC. But I also appreciate the more "fitted" neighborhood as well. It offers an organic-looking skyline, one that's a bit more fractal. More reminiscent of lower Manhattan in the 1940s in a way. With more glass.

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by Michagain

This is all so subjective. It's like standing at the Met, opining over paintings and debating which is objectively better. Personally, I see the original World Trade Center and the new complex as two very different things sharing a common label.

Sometimes the strongest symbols are the simplest ones. The original complex was a unified sculpture; unapologetically dominating and supremely confident. No fluff necessary. Relatively void of detail and reminiscent of the Monolith from "2001: A Space Odyssey". An impersonal presence. Strictly business.

The new WTC isn't so much a complex than it is a neighborhood. Individual buildings that, in my eyes, are each their own. They fit in rather than dominate. Part of the pile of buildings downtown, in a good way.

In my own personal view, which is not right or wrong, I liked the dramatic presence of the two symbolic monoliths. They were unmistakable. Part of why I preferred the much-hated stacked box version of 2 WTC. But I also appreciate the more "fitted" neighborhood as well. It offers an organic-looking skyline, one that's a bit more fractal. More reminiscent of lower Manhattan in the 1940s in a way. With more glass.

this is a very good take.

and i am someone who liked the stacked boxes version for the same reason i liked the original twins.
strictly business as you said, form followed function.
studios.
that said i like this wtc 2 version, so i dont miss that one wasn't built.

btw -- they just unveiled a modern statue in the little park below the wtc campus to honor the old 'little syria' neighborhood around here.
they should do something for the old 'radio row' neighborhood too (no, the apple store doesn't count!).

[ChiND]

The Financial Capital of the World!
https://www.newyorkyimby.com/2026/05/2-w...ion-in-financial-district-manhattan.html

2 World Trade Center Resumes Construction In Financial District, Manhattan

BY: MICHAEL YOUNG AND MATT PRUZNICK 8:00 AM ON MAY 11, 2026


Foster


M. Young