Does everyone really believe the new headquarters will house the same number of JPM employees as it previously did? With a shrunken JPM footprint in the US and with the number of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut employees laid off, relocated or no longer needed I really doubt there will be a high demand to move staff below the VP, or any level, to the new headquarters.
Also, why waste so much money today to build new temporary offices in the "Old Bear Sterns" for the Chairman and other executives if they are looking to move them into the Headquarters once built. Weren't there offices good enough in the "Old Bear Sterns" building for temporary use? Why spend money for space that is temporary. Is that a crazy question to ask? Or was that even asked?
If a yard long table top with 2 draws and a locker is good enough for a clerk, a supervisor, VP or ED why can't an executive work in a temporary office that is smaller and less plush. Temporary...no I think not. I think they are betting property values will go higher in NY and will sell. The employees with the jobs that functioned from 270 Park Ave have been relocated, laid off, downsized or are no longer needed due to automation.