Not long ago, in New York City, the Flatiron District transformed into the legendary “Silicon Alley” during the 90s tech explosion. Today, a fresh wave of bold blockchain, fintech, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence startups are searching for their ideal office space within Manhattan’s tech-friendly buildings.
The hybrid work movement has highlighted the significance of a physical office in fostering collaboration and cohesion among blossoming startups. Seizing the opportunities presented by the current real estate market—reminiscent of the post-2009 Financial Crisis with high vacancy rates and low rents—these ambitious enterprises are looking for more than just excellent amenities and atmosphere.
Indeed, location is paramount. As a result, startup founders seek trendy Manhattan neighborhoods to attract top talent and enhance their brand’s cultural significance.
So, where can these visionaries find the best NYC neighborhoods to rent startup office space? Let’s stroll through Manhattan and zero in on three vibrant communities catering to startups.
1. The Flatiron District
The Flatiron District, once the birthplace of NYC’s Silicon Alley, has reemerged as a sought-after hub for startups and entrepreneurs. Boasting boutique office buildings with loft-style spaces, Flatiron caters to creative companies looking to be at the center of Manhattan’s buzzing tech community.
Flatiron’s lively vibe, modern amenities, and eclectic dining scene make it a startup haven. With Madison Square Park and Union Square Park close by, it’s all about work-life balance. Companies like Peloton, Moat, Mashable, DropBox, Sony, Justworks, and Yext call this neighborhood home. And for the solopreneurs, flexible coworking spaces managed by WeWork, Coalition, and Rise New York have your back.
Being a part of the Flatiron community opens the door to unique networking opportunities, like those offered by the Flatiron School with coding classes and events at their 11 Broadway campus. Spaces here range from cozy 2,300-square-foot offices to sprawling 5,000-square-foot full-floor lofts, catering to every startup’s needs.
Startup Office Space in the Flatiron District
This curated selection of office listings is tailored to startups seeking 500-2,500 SF spaces. These listings are just a glimpse of what Flatiron offers for growing businesses. Explore these options to understand what’s available and kickstart your search for the perfect workspace. Remember that this is not an exhaustive list but a starting point.
54 W 21st St
Steeped in history, 54 West 21st Street is a 150,000 sq. ft. Class B office building that caters to startups and creative industries. Constructed in 1910, this accessible property in a bustling Manhattan tech hub offers airy spaces for small and midsize tenants. Managed by The Rosen Group, the property features 24/7 access, a renovated lobby, on-site security, and modernized amenities. With 23rd Street and 18th Street subway stations nearby serving the 1, R, C, E, and W trains, tenants enjoy seamless commuting and access to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment hotspots.
Listings
- Partial 5th Floor – Suite 501 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
This 2,251 sq. ft. open loft office space on the 5th floor (Unit 501) boasts bright natural light and a front corner position directly accessible from the elevator. With the asking rent at $54.00 per sq. ft., the landlord is open to negotiation and willing to undertake improvements to suit the tenant’s needs.
- Partial 6th Floor – Suite 601 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 601, a 2,255 sq. ft. office space on the 6th floor, offers a fully built-out, bright, and furnished front corner unit at an asking rent of $54.00 per sq. ft. In excellent condition and with negotiable terms, the landlord is open to modifying it to suit the tenant’s requirements.
- Partial 6th Floor – Suite 609 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 609 is a bright, open loft-style office space boasting 1,332 sq. ft. with polished concrete floors. Offered at a rental rate of $55.00 per sq. ft. and in excellent condition, the landlord is open to customizing the space and offers negotiable lease terms.
1123 Broadway
Step into The Townsend Building at 1123 Broadway – a charming, historic 105,667 sq. ft. Class B Loft/Creative Space from 1896. Perfectly positioned at the crossroads of NoMad, Madison Square Park, Flatiron, and Chelsea, you’ll enjoy unbeatable subway access with a mere 3-minute walk to the 28th Street (N, R Line) station and convenient PATH train connections. Tenants appreciate a full business center, conference rooms, and an attended lobby. With 24-hour security, on-site management, and a vibrant array of dining, shopping, and nightlife, this prime location is a startup’s dream.
Listings
- Partial 5th Floor – Suite 501 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 501 on the 5th floor offers a rarely available 1,730 sq. ft. corner unit, showcasing breathtaking Broadway views with seven windows spanning three sides of the office, 11 ft. ceilings, and sleek glass walls.
- Partial 7th Floor – Suite 718 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 718 is an impressive 1,950 sq. ft. loft-style space in the historic Townsend Building. This suite features a spacious open area, a conference room, and two offices. The optional wet pantry adds convenience as well. Beautiful 19th-century mosaic tile and hardwood floors complement its 11 ft. ceilings and eight large windows. Furthermore, the asking rent is $57.00/SF with negotiable lease terms ranging from 1 to 10 years.
- Partial 7th Floor – Suite 705 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 705 on the 7th floor is a stunning office with oversized windows offering picturesque views of Madison Square Park and Broadway, complemented by abundant sunlight and soaring 11 ft. ceilings.
156 Fifth Ave
Situated at 156 Fifth Ave, this 234,000 sq. ft., 13-story, Class B office live/work unit building dates back to 1894 and radiates historic charm. The 4-star edifice offers 24-hour access, air conditioning, and commuter rail proximity. Startups will appreciate the high ceilings, hardwood floors, and natural light that brighten the office spaces, fostering a creative environment in a bustling NYC neighborhood.
Listings
- Partial 5th Floor – Suite 534 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 534 on the 5th floor offers a spacious 2,500 sq. ft. office at $59.00/SF with negotiable terms. The layout includes one private office or meeting room, a large open area for workstations, private restrooms, new wood floors, and excellent natural light. The landlord is open to modifications as needed.
- Partial 6th Floor – Suite 612 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 612 on the 6th floor is a direct lease shell space. It offers 1,500 SF of customizable office space to fit your needs at an asking rate of $59.00/SF, with negotiable terms.
- Partial 8th Floor – Suite 822 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
This 8th-floor suite at 1,200 sq. ft. is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a smaller unit with a direct lease. The space features a full build-out and is available at a $59.00/SF negotiable rate. With its ideal configuration for a few private offices, the landlord is willing to customize it to suit specific needs.
2. Chelsea
Chelsea, a former manufacturing hub, has become popular for tech startups seeking flexible, open-floor office spaces with an industrial vibe. In addition, Chelsea is a hotspot with over 200 art galleries, numerous shops, museums, and proximity to iconic locations like Madison Square Garden, the Whitney Museum, Hudson Yards, the Vessel, Penn Station, and the High Line for young entrepreneurs valuing walkability and alternative transportation options. Who can also forget the perks of being near Chelsea Market?
Major tech players like Google, Apple, Verizon, and Samsung have established a presence in Chelsea, further boosting its appeal. In addition, the neighborhood accommodates various company sizes, providing office spaces ranging from 400 to 10,000 square feet and coworking options through providers such as WeWork, The Yard, or Industrious. As landlords become more open to negotiations, now is the ideal time for startups to explore Chelsea’s vibrant office market.
Startup Office Space in Chelsea
Dive into our handpicked office listings designed for startups looking for 500-2,500 SF spaces in Chelsea. This selection offers a snapshot of the growth opportunities available for emerging businesses. Browse these options to get a feel for the market and begin your journey to find the ideal workspace. Remember, this is just a starting point, not a comprehensive list.
547 W 27th St
547 W 27th St, also known as The Landmark Arts Building, is a 100,000 sq. ft. Class B Loft/Creative Space building, fully renovated in 2004 while maintaining its original architectural character from 1899. It has 6 stories of airy, open space with 24-hour access and high ceilings, providing tenants with a spacious and comfortable working environment. Hardwood floors give it a timeless feel, and an on-site property manager ensures everything runs smoothly. In addition, the building is located in the heart of Chelsea, surrounded by various art galleries, restaurants, and bars, making it a prime location for startups.
Listings
- Partial 2nd Floor – Suite 238 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 238 offers a vacant 1,121 sq. ft. office/direct lease with negotiable terms, priced at $49.50/SF.
- Partial 3rd Floor – Suite 328 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 328 boasts 983 sq. ft. of space, with an asking rent of $49.50/SF and negotiable lease terms. The suite is currently vacant and waiting for its next occupant.
- Partial 5th Floor – Suite 510 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 510 has 2,615 sq. ft. of office space but can be divided into 1,670 sq. ft. It is currently vacant and available for lease at a negotiable rate of $49.50/SF.
352 Seventh Ave
352 Seventh Avenue is a prime location for businesses seeking office space in Chelsea. This Class B office building provides 130,000 SF of modern startup office space, featuring average floor sizes of 7,500 SF. 352 Seventh Avenue offers several amenities, such as a media technology center and Mustang Harry’s Restaurant on the ground floor. In addition, tenants enjoy a new lobby and elevators, a 24/7/365 attended lobby, and convenient access to public transportation. Subway lines like the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, and R trains make commuting easy. Moreover, the building is owner-occupied, ensuring attentive maintenance and management. Notable tenants in the building include Corner Realty, Prudential Lighting, and International Investment Advisers, among others.
Listings
- Partial 2nd Floor – Suite 209-11 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 209 is 1,776 square feet of freshly white-boxed space in excellent condition and available for direct lease. The landlord is open to partial build-outs to suit tenant needs. Furthermore, exposed ceilings and concrete flooring provide an industrial-chic look.
- Partial 3rd Floor – Suite 303 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
This 1,128 SF office space is in excellent condition, featuring a glass-fronted windowed conference room, wet pantry, and open area with exposed ceilings and concrete floors. The landlord is flexible with partial build-out modifications to suit tenants’ needs, including medical use.
- Partial 6th Floor – Suite 600 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 600 offers 2,001 square feet of freshly white-boxed space in excellent condition. With direct elevator presence, it features 10 windows for natural light and exposure, an exposed ceiling, and a concrete floor. The landlord can negotiate a partial build-out to suit a tenant’s needs and install a wet pantry.
350 Seventh Ave
Step into the past and present with the unique and creative atmosphere of 350 Seventh Ave, a 3-star office building in Midtown South. This class C loft/creative space boasts 22 stories and 158,585 square feet. The typical floor size of 7,208 square feet is perfect for creative companies seeking unique office space. In addition, the building has an attended lobby. Finally, it is just a 2-minute walk to the 28th Street Station (1, 2 lines), ideal for companies that require shipping and showroom capabilities.
Listings
- Partial 4th Floor – Suite 401 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
This 2,100 square feet office space faces Seventh Avenue and features a partial build-out. Currently occupied by a law firm, the space offers four offices and a conference room. Additionally, the landlord is willing to negotiate a direct lease.
- Partial 6th Floor – Suite 602 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
This 1,900-square-foot space boasts polished concrete floors and glass fronts and includes one office, one conference room, and an open area. Moreover, the lease is currently negotiable as the space is vacant.
- Partial 10th Floor – Suite 1003 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 1003 is a 1,250 SF corner office space with ample natural light from two sides of windows. The unit is fully built-out with one conference room and open space, perfect for startups and small businesses. Furthermore, a direct lease is available, and the landlord is open to negotiation
3. Soho
SoHo, the perfect blend of history and modernity, attracts creative entrepreneurs and budding startups with its loft-style office spaces and unique character. This trendy Midtown South neighborhood features a lively art scene, diverse eateries, bars, shops, and convenient public transportation connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
In terms of office spaces, SoHo offers a unique blend of industrial charm and modern amenities. With large windows, high ceilings, exposed brick, and ample natural light, these spaces preserve the essence of the Cast Iron District. Moreover, SoHo is home to some of the most innovative companies in the world, including Reddit, Foursquare, Contently, Warby Parker, and Apple. Thus, the atmosphere and thriving creative community offer a vibrant work environment that stands out from neighboring districts like FiDi, Chelsea, Flatiron, or Hudson Yards.
Startup Office Space in Soho
Explore our carefully chosen office listings, catering to startups in search of 500-2,500 SF spaces in SoHo. These listings examine the exciting possibilities for growing businesses in this thriving neighborhood. Look at these options to understand what’s out there and start your quest for the perfect office space. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these listings are just a starting point, not an exhaustive list.
568-578 Broadway – Prince Building
For an office space that boasts a unique blend of history and modern amenities, consider The Prince Building at 568-578 Broadway. This beautiful building features 330,700 SF of Class B SoHo office space across 12 stories, making it an ideal location for small- to mid-sized companies. The Prince Building comes equipped with essential amenities such as 24/7 security, on-site management, a fitness center, and an atrium. Additionally, with tenants like SkinCare Lab, Paratus Group, Third Man Management Corporation, and Apostle, you’ll be in excellent company. Moreover, the Broadway-Lafayette station is conveniently located nearby, providing easy access to the B, D, F, M, and 6 trains.
Listings
- Partial 4th Floor – Suite 402 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
With a fully built-out 1,583 SF of space, Suite 402 features 3 private offices, a reception area, and south-facing windows. This office will be available from May 2023 with negotiable terms.
- Partial 5th Floor – Suite 504 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Boasting a bright and charming ambiance, Suite 504 is a 1,727 SF shell space. Featuring new south-facing windows and exposed ceilings and wooden floors, this office is available now with negotiable terms.
104-110 Greene St – The SoHo Building
110 Greene Street (The SoHo Building), offers unique commercial space for cutting-edge firms in the heart of SoHo. This 13-story, 295,000-square-foot Class A office building features high ceilings, open floor plates, and historical details. Moreover, the building’s prime location in SoHo provides easy access to boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as 11 subway lines. In terms of safety, the building has fireproof construction, a sprinkler system, and alarm installation. Additionally, there is a uniformed lobby receptionist, a communal roof deck, and more.
Listings
- Partial 5th Floor – Suite 503 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 503 offers 1,239 SF of move-in-ready office space with hardwood flooring, exposed brick, and negotiable terms. Additionally, it’s available for lease from August 2023.
- Partial 9th Floor – Suite 901 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
To highlight the exceptional features of Suite 901, this 1,782 SF office offers beautiful hardwood floors and stunning exposed brick.
270 Lafayette Street
Nestled in the heart of SoHo, 270 Lafayette Street is a 175,850 SF Class B creative loft space built in 1925. Additionally, the building boasts a combination of panoramic views and old-world charm that make it a unique and inspiring place to work. Moreover, tenants can take advantage of the building’s 24-hour access and full-time security. Recently, the lobbies and elevators have undergone renovations, ensuring a modern and comfortable environment. The central location of the building is also a major plus, with top-notch shops and restaurants just steps away. And, for those who need to travel further afield, the Prince Street Transit Stop (N, R) is just a quick 2-minute walk away.
Listings
- Partial 6th Floor – Suite 602 (Courtesy of CoStar Group)
Suite 602 offers a 959 SF, sixth-floor office space with an open floor plan. Moreover, the office faces Lafayette St and features a partial build-out, average condition, and negotiable lease terms.
The Key Takeaway
NYC boasts a variety of neighborhoods perfect for startups in search of office space. SoHo enchants with its historic charm and artistic atmosphere, while Chelsea undergoes a transformative renaissance, and Flatiron emerges as a resurgent tech hub. Each district offers unique opportunities to businesses eager to prosper. When considering your options, it’s essential to weigh factors such as location, accessibility, nearby amenities, and rental costs in a city as vibrant and competitive as New York. Ultimately, by choosing the right office space in a neighborhood that reflects your startup’s culture and values, you’ll set your business on a path to thrive in the heart of this bustling metropolis.
Are you a startup considering setting up your business in a convenient Manhattan location? Interested in leasing office space in a trendy loft building within a lively neighborhood? To learn about available office or retail spaces, call Metro Manhattan Office Space at (212) 444-2241 or email us at [email protected].
