The ambitious plan to complete 2 World Trade Center, the final skyscraper in the 16-acre complex in Manhattan's Financial District, remains on hold. Construction on the substructure began in 2007 but ceased in 2012, leaving the site unfinished with no progress reported in recent years. This 1,230-foot commercial supertall skyscraper, designed to be 62 stories tall, is a key component of the World Trade Center rebuild.
The property, developed by Silverstein Properties, is intended to provide 2.2 million square feet of office space. It occupies a full block bordered by Vesey Street to the north, Fulton Street to the south, Church Street to the east, and Greenwich Street to the west. The current state of the site features an unfinished base, covered by corrugated metal sheds adorned with vibrant murals, with its eastern edge temporarily repurposed as a seasonal outdoor beer garden.
Key Takeaways
- 2 World Trade Center project is stalled since 2012.
- It is the final component of the 16-acre World Trade Center complex.
- Multiple redesigns by Foster + Partners and Bjarke Ingels Group failed to secure anchor tenants.
- The latest design, revealed in 2022, is still under negotiation with American Express.
- The site currently hosts temporary murals and a seasonal beer garden.
A Decade of Design Changes and Stalled Progress
The history of 2 World Trade Center has been marked by a series of design revisions and failed anchor tenant negotiations. The original vision for the tower was unveiled in 2005 by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners. This initial design featured a distinctive crown of diamonds, sloping towards the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This architectural choice aimed to symbolize a connection between the ground and the sky.
However, this initial concept underwent significant changes. In 2015, negotiations with Fox Corporation prompted a complete redesign. Bjarke Ingels of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) was brought in to create a new vision tailored to the media company's needs. BIG's design introduced a stacked block appearance with cascading stepped setbacks and landscaped terraces, reflecting the green roofs prevalent in nearby Tribeca. When viewed from the east, this massing would have presented a singular, monolithic profile, creating a dual silhouette alongside One World Trade Center, echoing the original Twin Towers.
Project Details
- Height: 1,230 feet
- Stories: 62
- Office Space: 2.2 million square feet
- Developer: Silverstein Properties
- Original Architect: Foster + Partners (Norman Foster)
- Redesign Architect: Bjarke Ingels Group (Bjarke Ingels)
This redesigned plan, however, was ultimately abandoned. Fox Corporation decided to remain at its Midtown headquarters, leaving the project once again without a secured tenant.
Foster + Partners Returns with New Iterations
Following the collapse of the deal with Fox, Foster + Partners re-entered the picture. They presented a new proposal in 2021, departing from the diamond-shaped crown of their initial design. This iteration was specifically tailored for prospective anchor tenant Deutsche Bank. Despite these efforts, this plan also failed to materialize, adding another chapter to the tower's complex development history.
The pursuit of a viable design and anchor tenant continued. In 2022, Foster + Partners revealed their latest design. This version emerged when American Express became a potential anchor tenant. This design partially incorporates elements from BIG's 2015 stacked volume concept, while also retaining a staggered crown from the earlier Deutsche Bank proposal. This blending of ideas aimed to create a modern yet functional skyscraper.
"The constant evolution of the 2 World Trade Center design reflects the challenges of securing a major anchor tenant in a dynamic real estate market," said an urban development analyst familiar with the project.
The World Trade Center Complex
The 2 World Trade Center project is the last major component of the comprehensive redevelopment of the 16-acre World Trade Center site. This complex includes One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and other commercial and transportation hubs. The entire rebuild represents a significant effort to revitalize Lower Manhattan after the events of September 11, 2001.
Latest Design and Ongoing Negotiations
Earlier this year, the latest design by Foster + Partners underwent further refinements. Updated visuals highlighted the addition of a prominent spire, a feature often associated with modern supertall buildings. The configuration of the cutouts for the pocketed outdoor terraces also saw slight modifications. Despite these minor adjustments, the overall massing, the use of floor-to-ceiling glass, and thin facade louvers were maintained, preserving the tower's intended aesthetic.
Reports indicate that negotiations are still ongoing between Larry Silverstein, the developer, and American Express. However, no further updates have been publicly announced for some time. The lack of recent news leaves the future of this crucial skyscraper uncertain.
The Road Ahead
As the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, approaches next year, the fate of 2 World Trade Center remains a significant point of discussion. The completion of this final piece is vital for the full realization of the World Trade Center complex. The ongoing delays highlight the complexities involved in such large-scale urban development projects, particularly those with deep historical and symbolic significance.
The site, currently a temporary attraction with its murals and beer garden, awaits its transformation into a permanent fixture of the Manhattan skyline. The community and stakeholders continue to watch for definitive news on when, and in what form, 2 World Trade Center will finally rise.
- The original Foster + Partners design from 2005 featured a diamond-shaped crown.
- The 2015 Bjarke Ingels Group redesign was a stacked block concept for Fox Corporation.
- Foster + Partners returned in 2021 with a design for Deutsche Bank.
- The most recent 2022 design, for American Express, combines elements from previous proposals and includes a spire.