NEW YORK CITY-One World Trade Center has secured another tenant, in the form of three government agencies. The General Services Administration has announced plans to move its regional headquarters to the tower, along with the US Army Corps of Engineers New York district headquarters and the US Customs and Border Protection New York field office. The government agencies will take six floors in the iconic building, marking the return of the federal government to the site.
The agencies are planning to move in late 2015 to floors 50 through 55. GSA secured a lease agreement for approximately 270,000 feet of space for an initial term of 20 years. GSA will create flexible and collaborative workspaces that reduce these agencies' footprints by an average of 40%. The building is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with the Durst Organization serving as an equity partner on the property. Durst represented itself in the lease negotiations. It was unclear at press time who represented GSA.
This lease will help the federal government reduce its overall real estate needs in Manhattan. In preparation for the move, GSA will offer government-owned space at the Jacob K. Javits federal building—at 26 Federal Plaza—to other tenants in the region, helping to reduce leased space. GSA and the USACE will leave the Javits federal building and CBP will leave leased space in Midtown.
“We are excited to return to the World Trade Center Complex, which federal agencies have been a part of since 1973,” says GSA administrator Dan Tangherlini. “From the day that the Port Authority started planning reconstruction, the federal government committed to remaining an important part of this building and the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan. Through this lease agreement, these three federal agencies will have the office space they need to serve the American people in providing goods and services, tackling vital infrastructure projects, and protecting our nation's borders.”
“I once again applaud GSA and the federal government for committing to the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan," assertssenator Chuck Schumer. “After 9/11, many wondered if Downtown would become a ghost town, but it has flourished with new residents, stores and businesses.”
“I am proud to see that U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which had its offices destroyed by the horrific attacks of September 11th, 2001, will be returning to its historic home in Lower Manhattan,” adds congressman Jerrold Nadler. “1 WTC will stand as a symbol that our great city and our great nation will never be defeated and will house important offices of the federal government.”
“The GSA has been an important part of Lower Manhattan for many decades,” says Al Sanfilippo, World Trade Center project manager forDurst. “We look forward to working with the GSA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on their build-out and occupancy at One World Trade Center.”
Notes Port Authority deputy executive director Bill Baroni, “The GSA's lease at One World Trade Center is essential in our effort to being one of the most successful commercial developments in the world, and a significant generator of jobs and economic activity.”
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Rayna Katz
Rayna Katz is a seasoned business journalist whose extensive experience includes coverage of the lodging sector, travel and the culinary space. She was most recently content director for a business-to-business publisher, overseeing four publications. While at Meeting News, a travel trade publication, she received a Best Reporting award for a story on meeting cancellations in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
