In an interview with Bloomberg, the Chairman of the developer that rebuilt much of the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan says the final tower could proceed on spec. Larry Silverstein's eponymous firm points to a strong economy and leasing at neighbouring towers as reasons why the Bjarke Ingels Group-designed stepped skyscraper might be moving forward without an anchor tenant in place.

Two World Trade Center, image via Bjarke Ingels Group

"I think we're in an increasingly good spot, in a good position, to do that," said Silverstein with Bloomberg. "For all intents and purposes, it wouldn't be a bad idea to start on Tower 2 because it won’t be finished until about 2022, 2023."

The 2.8-million-square-foot office development will top off Silverstein's successful run at the site. The company built towers Three, Four and Seven, and Two is slated to become the tallest of the bunch. Expected to settle at about 80 storeys, BIG's staircase-like design features a stack of offset blocks surrounded in floor-to-ceiling glass.

The search for an anchor tenant has encountered a number of roadblocks. Both Citigroup and 21st Century Fox had initially expressed interest in leasing space but ultimately decided to stay in their respective homes of Tribeca and Midtown.

Two World Trade Center, image via Bjarke Ingels Group

Completed in 2018, Three World Trade Center is now over 50 percent leased. Moody's Corp and Spotify Technology are two of the larger companies currently claiming space in the modern skyscraper.

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.