When searching for office space to rent in Manhattan, every business has its own unique list of criteria. Whether it’s private meeting rooms and videoconferencing equipment for a law firm, or high ceilings and soundproofing for a dance studio, each business has specific requirements and preferences.
For creative office tenants and startups, access to ‘the great outdoors’ has become a significant sought-after amenity. The new generation of entrepreneurs is all about openness, both in how they work and how they run their offices. Employees in creative industries enjoy working in open and flexible spaces that encourage collaboration and communication. The quality of their work depends on creativity, and creative employees thrive within office space that fuels inspiration. You will see this for yourself if you happen to visit any successful advertising or P.R. agency in New York City as a client.
Outdoor space, the next frontier for office buildings
Landlords and property managers in Manhattan have stepped up to meet this need by providing tenants with seamless access to the outdoors. They’ve been pulling all the stops, from converting setbacks into terraces and installing floor-to-ceiling windows, to investing in building rooftop gardens or green courtyards.
Recent research from CBRE shows that outdoor space is now the most sought-after amenity for New York City’s office buildings. CBRE Vice Chairman Howard Fiddle told the New York Post that it’s primarily creative and tech firms with young employees that look for outdoor space in their offices. However, it’s a trend that has also become appealing for traditional finance or legal services firms.
Access to outdoor space is an amenity that doesn’t only benefit office tenants – it can be a good investment for landlords as well. CBRE research shows that office floors with terraces or balconies command a 14% premium over non-terrace floors. What’s more, average rents for terrace floors average $105.35 per square foot, while non-terrace floors rent out for $92.34 per square foot. Consequently, landlords who invest in outdoor-related amenities will find it a worthwhile long-term investment. They’ll also have a better chance at attracting high-profile tenants. For instance, the various terraces and outdoor spaces at 300 Lafayette Street played a significant part in Related Companies’ landing Microsoft as the anchor tenant.
10 Office Buildings in Manhattan With Access to Outdoor Space
Technology-related businesses are particularly interested in having access to outdoor space within their company offices, and they’re among the groups of companies keeping Manhattan’s office market afloat in these times of market uncertainty.
We’re going to take a look at 10 Manhattan office buildings, old and new, that feature some form of access to outdoor space.
1. 3 World Trade Center
Built in 2018, the 2.8-million-square-foot tower at 3 World Trade Center offers various top-notch amenities for modern office tenants. The building is owned by Silverstein Properties and it offers a column-free structure which is ideal for creative businesses or startups. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant natural light. One of the tower’s highlights is a state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot terrace on the 17th floor, which provides tenants with exquisite views of Lower Manhattan.
2. 441 Ninth Avenue
This office building built in 1982 at 441 Ninth Avenue underwent a massive repositioning effort in 2020. Cove Property Group added a new 17-floor, modern office tower atop the original building and decked it out with state-of-the-art amenities. Also known as Hudson Commons, the upgraded property features private terraces and balconies on nearly every level. In addition, the building incorporates a landscaped terrace on the top floor that offers excellent views.
3. 4 Times Square
This property at 4 Times Square, previously known as the Conde Nast Building and rebranded as One Five One, was built in 1999 and features 1.6 million square feet of Class A Plaza District office space. The building is one of the greenest office towers in NYC, incorporating various energy-efficient features and plenty of outdoor space. Tenants at the Midtown Manhattan building enjoy huge windows, expansive terraces as well as a green roof.
4. 1633 Broadway
The Paramount Plaza at 1633 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan was renovated in 2012 and includes 2.6 million square feet of Class A, LEED Gold-certified office space. The landlord has opened up the two top floors of previously-enclosed office space and converted them into a double-height outdoor terrace. The new terrace was reportedly a crucial factor that convinced New Mountain Capital to move its offices from 787 Seventh Avenue to 1633 Broadway.
5. 375 Park Avenue
In 2014, an expansive and exclusive terrace opened up on the 11th floor of the Seagram Building at 375 Park Avenue. This property built in 1958 did not initially include any outdoor space, but the landlord invested in the new terrace in order to attract businesses in creative markets. The tenant-exclusive amenity consists of a 5,000-square-foot lounge area and a 7,280-square-foot outdoor deck offering magnificent views of Midtown Manhattan.
6. 512W22
The innovative office building at 512 West 22nd Street in Chelsea is the work of CookFox Architecture and was completed in 2019. This property features operable windows and 13 private landscaped terraces, and a 5,600-square-foot rooftop deck park overlooking the Hudson River and the High Line park. According to CookFox, 512W22 is grounded in the concept of ‘biophilia’, aiming to integrate the outdoors into the workplace.
7. One Manhattan West
One of the biggest new developments in New York City commercial real estate is the Manhattan West complex. It includes two office towers, two residential towers, a hotel and a massive public park. The two million-square-foot One Manhattan West was completed in 2019 and features another example of a column-free office space, as well as high ceilings and plenty of natural light. It also provides access to the 2.6-acre public plaza at the center of the new development. In late November 2021, a brand new ice skating rink has also opened within the Manhattan West plaza.
8. The Spiral
The Spiral is a 66-story office tower currently under construction at Hudson Yards. It’s designed by Bjarke Ingels and developed by Tishman Speyer. This building will be completed in 2022 and will feature more than 2.8 million square feet of Class A office space. However, the main feature of The Spiral is a dramatic set of cascading terraces that wrap around the building, providing access to outdoor space on every floor.
9. 55 Hudson Yards
Completed in 2018, the 1.3 million-square-foot office tower at 55 Hudson Yards offers many modern amenities that cater to businesses in the creative sector. From flexible floor plates and floor-to-ceiling windows to a unique cast-iron facade reminiscent of old-school Soho, this building has it all. In addition, it has earned a LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient features. 55 Hudson Yards incorporates a 10th floor, 360-degree terrace offering panoramic views of Manhattan. This property is ideal for multinational creative firms seeking the best modern space that Manhattan has to offer in one of its fastest-growing neighborhoods.
10. 110 Greene Street
The Soho Building at 110 Greene Street was originally completed in 1910 and currently offers 295,000 square feet of Class A Soho office space. The property is owned by SL Green and provides many desirable amenities, including 15,000 square feet of retail space, exposed brick and ceilings, an on-site cafe, polished concrete floors and of course – a rooftop garden.
Are you looking for offices featuring outdoor space in Manhattan? For 17 years, Metro Manhattan Office Space has been successfully representing tenants of all sizes in their search for office space in Manhattan. To learn about available office spaces, call us at (212) 444-2241 or email us at [email protected].
