GSA Inks Non-Binding Deal for WTC Space

NEW YORK CITY-If plans proceed as expected, the US Customs and Border Protection could be an anchor tenant at the Freedom Tower. The US General Services Administration and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have entered a memorandum of agreement where Customs could occupy a similar amount of space as they had in 6 World Trade Center. The agency was the majority tenant at the site and occupied 591,890 sf prior to 9/11. Space requirements for this most recent agreement still need to be determined. The GSA currently anticipates that there is a possibility that other federal tenants will occupy space in the Freedom Tower as well.

In a deal worked out between the Port Authority, which owns the site and leaseholder/developer Silverstein Properties, the Port is expected to take ownership and responsibility for leasing the tower in September. That deal is contingent in part that one million sf of government leases are signed.

Customs operations presently housed under two Manhattan leases are planning to relocate to the Freedom Tower. Some Customs operations currently housed at 26 Federal Plaza may also be relocated there as well. After 9/11, Customs relocated to space here and in Newark.