Citigroup Inc. is considering leasing offices at the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan, two people with knowledge of the discussions said.
The lender is exploring various options and hasn't decided which building it is interested in, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. Four towers are in progress, including 1 World Trade Center, slated to be the western hemisphere's tallest building upon its completion in 2013.
A Citigroup lease would be another victory for the trade center redevelopment, stalled for years because of indecision on its design, infighting among stakeholders and a lack of financing and tenant interest. Last month, Conde Nast Publications Inc. agreed to rent about 1 million square feet at 1 World Trade, and UBS AG may move staff to 3 World Trade Center from Stamford, Conn., people familiar with the matter said.
"Pricing downtown is still very attractive, you can lock in 20-plus years in a brand-new building. That's why you're seeing a lot of the seemingly well-entrenched really wondering if they're in the best situation," said Alan Desino, an executive managing director at Colliers International.
