You’ve heard everyone talk about it. Your business partners can’t stop bragging about their new loft space, how they love that edgy design and unconventional layout, and how they’re using it as leverage when it comes to attracting and locking down top talent. Spaces that once functioned as warehouses, clothing and fabric plants, breweries, factories, and courthouses have been given new life and now add character and poise to many of NYC’s top companies.
The truth is loft space is open and airy; it has an industrial feel that gives you a sense of freedom, more than you could find in any other type of commercial property; and it’s flexible enough to provide room for your company’s every need. If you’re planning to expand or just enhance your business by finding a top-notch home for your operations, here is a quick round-up of the best locations in town for loft-style office space.
The Garment District
The mecca of industrial design, The Garment District is where you’ll find some of the best creative spaces in Manhattan. The glory days of the area’s traditional manufacturing may indeed be gone but hip boutiques, up-and-coming fashion designers, architecture firms, tech start-ups, and even yoga studios have taken their place, so you’ll be still in vogue if you decide to set up shop here. Not to mention that you’ll be in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, close to every major transit stop in the area. Exposed brick and hardwood floors are quite common here, like this commercial loft space at West 37th Street that will put you within walking distance to Penn Station and the Port Authority.
Chelsea
If it’s good enough for Google, it may be good enough for every growing business in the city. The tech behemoth bought its way into Chelsea in 2010 when it shelled out a whopping $1.77 billion for 111 Eighth Avenue, the former headquarters of the Port Authority of New York. In 2018, Google went after another flagship property across the street, the 1.2-million-square-foot Chelsea Market building, which it bought for $2.4 billion. Earlier this year, it crossed over into the Meatpacking District and picked up the Milk Building at 450 West 15th St.
Long story short, the area has great infrastructure, physical and internet infrastructure, art galleries at every corner, tons of eateries and shops, and perhaps what’s more important: landlords that are a bit more flexible (for now) than their SoHo and Tribeca counterparts. Your next tech loft may just be this one at West 21st Street.
SoHo / NoHo
SoHo is no short of young spirit nor historic vibes. It’s got plenty of cool cafes, hip shops, and art galleries to satisfy any artsy person’s taste. It’s where you’ll find a cool mix of old and new architecture that creates the perfect backdrop for a thriving business, at an affordable price.
As eclectic as the neighborhood itself, the SoHo Building at 10 Greene Street is illustrative of the type of creative space you’ll find available for rent here. One of the early skyscrapers of the Cast Iron District, the SoHo Building has four exposures and frontages on both Greene and Mercer Streets and provides tenants with easy access to 11 subway lines. The high ceilings and the open floor plates help create a versatile and collaborative space that’s only enhanced by the historic details featured throughout the property. Or take this airy office loft at 584 Broadway, right in the heart of Midtown South. It has high open ceilings, hardwood floors, and large windows that let in abundant natural light – an ideal choice for an architecture or design firm.
Looking for a unique space to cover your company’s growing needs? Commercial lofts may be your best bet, particularly if you’re looking for versatility and spacious layouts peppered with exposed brick, floor-to-ceiling windows, and hardwood floors.
Are you thinking of setting up your business in a convenient location in Manhattan, and are looking to lease space in a modern building offering state-of-the-art amenities? Then reach out to us and we will show you worthwhile space situated right in the heart of New York City. To learn about available office space, call Metro Manhattan Office Space at (212) 444-2241 or email us at [email protected].
