Finding the right office space in New York City is tough for anyone but for a nonprofit with a tight budget and a big mission? That’s another level of challenge. Just ask the team at the Acacia Center for Justice, a group of dedicated lawyers who provide legal defense for immigrants. They needed a new home base, but they felt challenged by sky-high rents and a dizzying array of options.
However, when they contacted us at Metro Manhattan Office Space, we quickly saw beyond square footage and dollar signs. We saw the intangible factors and the type of space they needed to help change lives.
Tenant Objectives and Background: The Acacia Center for Justice’s NYC Expansion
The Acacia Center for Justice needed to expand beyond their DC headquarters, eyeing NYC due to high demand. With staff already telecommuting there, establishing a physical office made sense. NYC’s immigrant population – 36% of residents and 43% of the workforce – offered a prime opportunity. Since spring 2022, the city’s seen a surge in asylum seekers, with 65,600 in shelters by May 2024 and over 199,900 total, sparking 216 emergency shelters. Hence, having a physical footprint in NYC was a natural move for Acacia.
A Mission of Compassion and Justice
The Acacia Center for Justice provides valuable support for immigrants navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Their team offers legal assistance and representation, helping newcomers understand their rights and options as they seek to establish themselves in the United States. Many clients express relief upon finding an organization that can guide them through the often-challenging legal processes.
As immigrant populations have increased in various parts of the country, including New York City, so has the demand for immigration legal services. Recognizing this growing need, the Acacia Center for Justice considered expanding its operations. This led to the decision to open a New York office, aiming to extend their services to a broader range of individuals seeking immigration assistance in the area.
Their Ideal New York City Office Space: Creating the Perfect Home Away From Home
The Acacia Center knew exactly the type of office space they needed, but tracking it down was a whole other story. That’s why they contacted us at Metro Manhattan Office Space.
They weren’t looking for a highly amenitized space. They needed an office where clients could share their stories without fear, where confidentiality wasn’t just a promise but built into the very walls. More sincerely, a somewhat similar layout as a law firm but with larger open areas.
But here’s the thing – they also didn’t want to get locked into anything too permanent. Immigration rules and policies can be fluid, and Acacia needed to be ready to roll with the punches. Hence, they wanted a three-year lease.
Challenges and Constraints
Finding the perfect office space for Acacia in NYC took work. As we tackled the search, we quickly realized that the combination of market realities and Acacia’s specific needs would make this quite the task.
Market Constraints
New York City’s office market is highly complex. Imagine trying to find a parking spot during rush hour – that’s what the office space search initially felt like. While it is currently a tenant market, there is still a lack of office intensive small spaces suitable for legal services/nonprofit uses.
Then there was the budget. We needed to keep the rent between $30-39 per square foot, which in Lower Manhattan with its predominance of Class A and better Class B buildings, is like trying to find a bargain at a luxury store. It required a keen eye and a bit of creative thinking to uncover spaces that wouldn’t break the bank but still ticked all the right boxes.
Tenant-Specific Constraints
Acacia wanted plug and play space to avoid the cost and hassle of furnishing. Before the pandemic, this was about as common as finding a quiet corner in Times Square. It meant we had to dig deeper, negotiate harder, and sometimes think outside the box to find options that could work. The good thing is that now landlords are increasingly willing to include furniture in the deal.
Acacia wanted to be where the action was – close to public transit and other legal services. This narrowed our search, turning it into a citywide scavenger hunt. Each new requirement added complexity, pushing us to get creative.
Metro Manhattan Office Space’s Quest to Find Acacia Center for Justice’s Home
When Acacia Center for Justice decided to expand their immigrant defense programs to the Big Apple, they knew they needed more than just any old office space. They needed a home base to keep up with their mission and accommodate their unique needs. Before settling on their dream space, we showed Acacia potential homes at 15 Maiden Lane, 225 Broadway, and 42 Broadway. But it was 32 Broadway that ultimately stole the show.
Brokering the Perfect Match: 32 Broadway’s Legal Appeal
At Metro Manhattan Office Space, we’ve developed a knack for placing legal tenants at 32 Broadway and securing a 2,000 square foot partial 14th floor space for Acacia Center for Justice was our latest case. We knew the office-intensive layout would be perfect for their confidential work, offering the privacy that’s so crucial in the legal world.
We collaborated closely with Cammeby’s International, the building’s owner, and their leasing team at The Lawrence Group. David Ofman, Executive Managing Director, and Andrew Giller, Leasing Manager, were instrumental in crafting a deal that met Acacia’s needs. Together, we negotiated rents between $38 and $40 per square foot, coupled with a flexible 3-year lease. This combination of competitive pricing and adaptable terms was exactly what Acacia, as a growing nonprofit, required.
Closing the Deal: Turnkey Solutions and Other Perks
In today’s market, we know that a move-in ready space can make or break a deal. That’s why we pushed hard to secure a turnkey furnished space for Acacia. With this, they can start making a difference from day one, without the headache of furnishing an entire office.
Location was another key factor for Acacia, and 32 Broadway delivers in spades. Located between Beaver Street and Exchange Place in Lower Manhattan, it’s a commuter’s dream. We made sure Acacia understood how this prime spot would benefit their team, making it a breeze to move between court, client meetings, and the office. With perks like 24/7 access, a dedicated freight entrance on New Street, and prestigious tenants like the Board of Elections and Kubick & Associates PC, each occupying 7,000 square feet in the building, we knew 32 Broadway was perfect.
How We Sealed the Deal: Custom Space and Prime Location
We at Metro Manhattan Office Space know that finding the perfect office isn’t just about square footage. For Acacia, we secured a 2,000-square-foot turnkey furnished space on a partial 14th-floor suite. It meant no time wasted on furniture shopping or setup—Acacia could hit the ground running in 32 Broadway from day one. In today’s market, a move-in-ready office is worth its weight in gold, and we were thrilled to deliver.
But a great office is nothing without a great location. We made sure Acacia’s new home base was easily accessible. With excellent public transportation options outside their door, their team could easily zip between court appearances, client meetings, and the office. It’s the kind of convenience that makes a real difference for a legal practice.
Key Outcomes and Results
With its move to 32 Broadway, the Acacia Center for Justice has made a significant leap forward. Here’s how this smart move is paying off:
- Physical Location The new office space perfectly suits legal work and fosters a productive and collaborative environment. Acacia’s team now has the tools and space they need to excel in their mission in NYC.
- Affordable Rent: Acacia secured a demised, furnished office space at a competitive rent through skillful negotiation. This well-equipped environment allows staff to work together efficiently and meet clients face-to-face. It’s a win-win that frees up funds for what really matters – their impactful programs.
- Plug & Play Space: Acacia avoided the typical relocation disruptions with a fully furnished office space. They could maintain focus on their important work from day one.
- Convenient Location/Accessible to Public Transport: The prime location at 32 Broadway enhances accessibility for both staff and clients. Moreover, it strengthens Acacia’s ability to serve their community effectively with an expanded reach.
- Elevated Profile: Acacia’s Broadway address elevates its status in legal and nonprofit circles. This prime location attracts influential partners and clients, opening doors to high-impact opportunities previously unavailable.
Final Words
Collaborating with the Acacia Center for Justice reinforced our passion for what we do at Metro Manhattan Office Space. In New York’s competitive real estate market, we had the opportunity to go beyond our role as brokers and become true partners in Acacia’s mission. We carefully considered their budget limitations and vision for justice and community support, then diligently worked to find a space where their aspirations could thrive. This experience demonstrated how combining market expertise with a sincere dedication to our clients’ goals can lead to exceptional outcomes.
