Federal Agencies to Move to One World Trade Center

The General Services Administration, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers slated to move to World Trade Center in 2015

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that federal agencies will be moving to One World Trade Center in New York City. GSA plans to move its regional headquarters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) New York District headquarters, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) New York Field Office to six floors of high-quality office space in the iconic building. This move marks the return of the federal government to the site and delivers on the federal government's commitment to the redevelopment of the World Trade Center.  

"We are excited to return to the World Trade Center Complex, which federal agencies have been a part of since 1973. 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," said GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini. "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," said Senator Chuck Schumer. "After 9/11 many wondered if Downtown would become a ghost town, but it has flourished with new residents, stores and businesses."

The agencies are planning to move in late 2015 to floors 50 through 55. Last year, 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 percent.

"For the past twelve years, we have been resilient in our resolve to rebuild and become stronger. Today's announcement is another important step in rebuilding New York. I am proud to see that U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which had its offices destroyed by the horrific attacks of September 11^th, 2001, will be returning to its historic home in Lower Manhattan," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10). "1 WTC will stand as a symbol that our great city and our great nation will never be defeated by those who seek to destroy our way of life. Appropriately, 1 WTC will be one of the world's finest and most secure new office buildings and will house important offices of the federal government."

This lease will help the federal government reduce its overall real estate needs in Manhattan as it occupies space in One World Trade Center.  In preparation for the move, GSA will offer government-owned space at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan 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 Manhattan.

"The GSA has been an important part of Lower Manhattan for many decades," said Al Sanfilippo, World Trade Center Project Manager for The Durst Organization. "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."

"When GSA, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Customs and Border Protection move into One World Trade Center, they will experience world-class transportation, shopping and dining options on the site, in addition to commercial office space in one of the safest and most environmentally friendly structures in the world," said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye."

Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni said, "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."

The Port Authority is owner and developer of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.  The Durst Organization is an equity partner in the property and bears primary responsibility for leasing, operating and managing the building.

SOURCE U.S. General Services Administration