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

[Mulan]

Yes, the old Twin Towers—I only know them from old photos and postcards. They were the symbol and icon of New York, and they always will be. My former coworker was on the observation deck on September 10. The next day, he was planning to take a boat tour around Manhattan when he saw it in the south. He’ll never forget that sight.

I, too, have stood by the fountain a few times—it’s a sad place.

That event ultimately sparked my interest in New York’s skyscrapers (not just NYC, but many other U.S. cities as well).

The past and the memories will never fade; now, 2 WTC is finally rising into the sky.


March 1969
Collection by Miss Mackensen

[chris08876]

Credit: Michael Young

[ChiND]

It’s a beautiful sight, Chris!

[MichaelMNTY]

This may have been asked before in this forum or a previous forum, but I have to ask: What was so wrong with the original design? The one with the diamond roof? I really like that tower and am surprised it didn't get built first. Or after the main anchor tower?

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by MichaelMNTY

This may have been asked before in this forum or a previous forum, but I have to ask: What was so wrong with the original design? The one with the diamond roof? I really like that tower and am surprised it didn't get built first. Or after the main anchor tower?

welcome — the foster design was winging it as there was no client. they guessed financial so it had large trading floors. the big design had a tentative client in fox news corp so the boxy redesign was for studios. the final redesign reflects the new client amex need for flexible offices and i guess amenities. basically a new tower design and build out has to fit the main renter needs.

[DCReid]

Originally Posted by mrnyc

welcome — the foster design was winging it as there was no client. they guessed financial so it had large trading floors. the big design had a tentative client in fox news corp so the boxy redesign was for studios. the final redesign reflects the new client amex need for flexible offices and i guess amenities. basically a new tower design and build out has to fit the main renter needs.

If you look at other planned and recently completed NYC towers, it seems like the final redesign reflects a current trend to have stacked floors with terraces and open areas on multiple levels. Obviously it fit Amex needs and we will never know if whether Amex would have taken that original foster design with some minor modifications (maybe?) or even the big box design (probably not). It is what it is....

[NYguy]

https://commercialobserver.com/2026/09/r...wins-big-commercial-observer-power-gala/


Emily Davis
SEPTEMBER 24, 2026

The Office Deal of the Year came as no surprise, either, awarded to the partnership between Silverstein Properties and American Express for the banking giant’s new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center, comprising nearly 2 million square feet. Presenter Jonathan Knipe, co-chair of real estate at Cozen O’Connor, presented the award.

“Because of where we are, and because this is the 25th anniversary year of 9/11, tonight carries special weight,” Knipe said. “7 World Trade Center was the first tower to rise after the attacks. The deal we recognize tonight makes it possible for the final office tower on the campus to rise.”

American Express’ Paul Gioioso and Silverstein’s Dino Fusco accepted the award arm-and-arm.

Gross returned to present the night’s final honor, the Executive Leadership Award, to Lisa Silverstein, acknowledging her role in transitioning the firm’s leadership and expanding its platform beyond office assets.

In her remarks, Silverstein paid a tribute to the wise words of her father, Larry Silverstein, who was also in attendance: “A beautiful building is a rented building.”

The award was an homage to the company’s tenants and their trust in Silverstein, Lisa Silverstein said, as well as their development partners.

“The World Trade Center has become more than Class A skyscrapers, and that would have been enough,” she said. “It’s evolved into a thriving ecosystem of vibrancy and life.”

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by DCReid

If you look at other planned and recently completed NYC towers, it seems like the final redesign reflects a current trend to have stacked floors with terraces and open areas on multiple levels. Obviously it fit Amex needs and we will never know if whether Amex would have taken that original foster design with some minor modifications (maybe?) or even the big box design (probably not). It is what it is....

we do know. amex didn’t go for them, they wanted this as you say and i agree new current trend design. it seems natural the new client would want the most up to date design possible and their own look.

and not just for aesthetic reasons of course. for example we just got a new hot water tank, central air closet blower and roof condensor and the plumbers/hvac guys tell me that stuff modernizes and changes every couple months.

[NYguy]

https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverstein-properties

25 years later, Lower Manhattan and the Financial District is a place where people live, work and raise families, and New York is stronger for it.

That happened because this industry showed up together.

Larry Silverstein has been at the center of that effort for a quarter century.

Through lawsuits, redesigns, and anchor tenants who walked away at the last minute, he kept going.

This year the final missing piece fell into place: American Express will anchor 2 World Trade Center, a 55-story, roughly 2 million sq. ft. tower.

Having Larry in the room as Lisa Silverstein, CEO and Vice Chairman, accepted Office Deal of the Year made it a night to remember.

[TREPYE]

The fact that the award looks like the vastly superior initial WTC2 design kind of adds to the disappointment of what we ended up. Besides the sad fact that "Low End" Larry actually gets awarded for being an egregious cheapskate.

I hate when the universe reminds us of its awful sense of humor.

Originally Posted by NYguy

https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverstein-properties

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by TREPYE

The fact that the award looks like the vastly superior initial WTC2 design kind of adds to the disappointment of what we ended up. Besides the sad fact that "Low End" Larry actually gets awarded for being an egregious cheapskate.

Well, "Low End Larry" is the only reason this tower is getting built. Had Foster's original Tower 2 design remained, it's likely we'd all still be sitting here waiting on a tenant. In fact, Silverstein is the Hero of Ground Zero, the only reason the office space was rebuilt at all. He insisted on it, even as most around wanted the space to remain a memorial in the immediate aftermath. But he was having none of that, and God bless him for standing by it. This stretch of Greenwich Street (or Church Street) should be renamed in his honor. The way it works in New York, that will likely happen someday.

[TREPYE]

Originally Posted by NYguy

Well, "Low End Larry" is the only reason this tower is getting built. Had Foster's original Tower 2 design remained, it's likely we'd all still be sitting here waiting on a tenant. In fact, Silverstein is the Hero of Ground Zero, the only reason the office space was rebuilt at all. He insisted on it, even as most around wanted the space to remain a memorial in the immediate aftermath. But he was having none of that, and God bless him for standing by it. This stretch of Greenwich Street (or Church Street) should be renamed in his honor. The way it works in New York, that will likely happen someday.

Sure, lets go with that and forget about the fact that he diluted down 3WTC and 2WTC. By rebuilding the complex he is not doing anything that any other developer wouldn't do and that is ensure that the entire complex was rebuilt as fast as feasible; and no, I don't think other developers would have butchered this important site the way Low End did. I have heard interviews with him where they asked him about cost cutting directly and he dodged the question and didn't answer it . Besides, its not like I am the one who bestowed him this nickname, he has obviously earned it. And the way the site ended up it shows.... The proof is in the pudding, well... in this case the buildings.

Spare me the indignant fan-boy stuff.

[NYguy]

Originally Posted by TREPYE

Sure, lets go with that and forget about the fact that he diluted down 3WTC and 2WTC.

Again, what's built is what allowed them to be leased and built. The sooner some of you get that into your heads, the better you will understand why we now have what's basically a fully leased WTC, and not some empty lots waiting for buildings that YOU deem prettier to get built. And it without Silverstein's steady insistence that the office space be rebuilt, despite the raw emotions from the public and politicians alike, that the space remain a memorial, and not just some place for the "greedy developer" to build office space. But at least you'll always have the renderings to look at.

[UrbanImpact]

Originally Posted by TREPYE

Sure, lets go with that and forget about the fact that he diluted down 3WTC and 2WTC. By rebuilding the complex he is not doing anything that any other developer wouldn't do and that is ensure that the entire complex was rebuilt as fast as feasible; and no, I don't think other developers would have butchered this important site the way Low End did. I have heard interviews with him where they asked him about cost cutting directly and he dodged the question and didn't answer it . Besides, its not like I am the one who bestowed him this nickname, he has obviously earned it. And the way the site ended up it shows.... The proof is in the pudding, well... in this case the buildings.

Spare me the indignant fan-boy stuff.

If American Express wanted to pay for the diamonds and accept the floor plan configuration, they would have built the diamonds. As an Architectural Project Manager, I can tell you that the customer's budget is what determines the design.

[SkyHigher]

Little will care about this tower when 100 Gold St starts to go up. Taller more unique than this Hudson Yard looking dull lame duck. At least do something with the crown.

This tower will block most of 1WTC from the Brooklyn Bridge vantage point keeping the seat warm for when 100 Gold St dominates that vantage point blocking both buildings.

[TREPYE]

Originally Posted by UrbanImpact

If American Express wanted to pay for the diamonds and accept the floor plan configuration, they would have built the diamonds. As an Architectural Project Manager, I can tell you that the customer's budget is what determines the design.

The cheap rectangular topped design was there before AmEx signed on. They didn’t pick it, Low End Larry picked it for them.

[XchillX]

Replying to this as I don't see enough renders for the east side. Absolutely stunning angle (and render great job!!).

The more I look at it, the more of a resemblance to the old towers I see. Like an abstract version of it's design. Can't wait to see this from BK.

Originally Posted by ChiND

This is going to be beautiful.


Xing

[ChiND]

This is going to be absolutely gorgeous!!!

[Michagain]

Credit: user3755 (New York Yimby)

[Yackemflaber69]

Great photo is it possible to photoshop 100 gold into that picture?