Top 10 Class A Office Buildings in Midtown Manhattan

14 June, 2022 / Alan Rosinsky
iew of Empire State Building, emblematic of NYC commercial real estate excellence.

“Location, location, location” is a mantra that can reshape your business’s growth trajectory. Securing a Class A office building not only reflects your dedication to excellence for clients and employees. Additionally, it underscores the importance of prime real estate in New York City.

Manhattan boasts a staggering 50,000 buildings, with 241 million square feet dedicated to office space alone. Among the 250,000 companies that call New York City home, 491 have gone public. So, your business’s address, amenities, and lease details all play a pivotal role in your success.

Whether you’re a private equity firm, hedge fund, esteemed law firm, or budding startup, finding the ideal office is a significant decision. In your search for the perfect space, this list of NYC’s top 10 Class A office buildings can help. Additionally, we will detail the features and attributes that distinguish them.

Benefits of Class A Midtown Manhattan Office Space

Opting for a Class A building in Midtown Manhattan means surrounding your business with luxurious amenities. Envision welcoming clients and staff in an impressive, professional lobby, complemented by top-notch security and speedy elevators. Furthermore, you’ll relish unmatched benefits, including high-speed connectivity, cutting-edge HVAC systems, fitness centers, break areas, bike storage, and outdoor spaces.

Class A buildings are adept at cultivating lasting client relationships. Upscale on-site restaurants facilitate casual meetings and networking events. Moreover, Midtown Manhattan’s iconic skyline presents stunning views from your office, enhancing your workspace.

Although Class A office building rents in Midtown generally vary from $55 to $200 per square foot, the advantages of prestige and productivity validate the investment. Our carefully compiled Top 10 list of elite Midtown commercial office buildings offers vital information to aid you in making an informed decision when starting or expanding your business. Thus, seize the unrivaled charm of Class A Midtown Manhattan office spaces.

1. One Vanderbilt

At 1.8 million square feet, One Vanderbilt reigns as Midtown Manhattan’s crown jewel and a standout in the Grand Central submarket. Completed in 2020 by SL Green, this 93-story tower, costing a staggering $1.4 billion, boasts a prime location adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. Tenants delight in exceptional amenities, such as an outdoor terrace and a 30,000-square-foot amenity floor. Furthermore, they relish the floor-to-ceiling windows and roomy, column-free offices. Finally, the ground floor showcases Le Pavillon, a world-class restuarant helmed by celebrated Chef Daniel Boulud.

Tenants: Sentinel, TD Bank, Greenberg Traurig, McDermot Will & Emery

Average asking rent: ~$100-$150 per square foot

Listings:

  • 54th Floor, Suite 5405 (A) (Image Source: VTS)

 

This 6,393 sq ft office space is in pre-built condition and has an estimated capacity of 73 people. It’s available now for direct leasing and features 15′ 2″ slab-to-slab ceiling height.

  • 54th Floor, Suite 5410 (Suite D) (Image courtesy of VTS)

 

This 7,134 sq ft pre-built office space, suitable for 48 people, offers a 15′ 2″ slab-to-slab ceiling height and is available for direct leasing.

  • Entire 72nd Floor, Suite 7200 (Image source VTS)

 

This 10,790 sq ft core and shell office space, accommodating 72 people, is now available for direct leasing.

2. The Empire State Building

Undoubtedly an icon on Manhattan’s skyline, The Empire State Building proudly rises at 350 Fifth Avenue. This 2.3 million-square-foot landmark, finished in 1931, draws companies seeking prestigious office space. Its historical significance and remarkable features are enticing. Tenants appreciate a 15,000-square-foot fitness center and an exclusive conference center. Additionally, cutting-edge infrastructure is provided. Lastly, eight dining options, including STATE Bar and Grill and Tacombi, offer diverse culinary experiences.

Tenants: LinkedIn, Skanska, Shutterstock, CBS Radio, CB Alliance, Qatar Airways

Average asking rent: ~$60-$80 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 64th Floor, Suite P64B (Image Source VTS)

 

This 2,890 sq ft office space is available for sublease right now. It comes in pre-existing condition and can accommodate 19 people.

  • Partial 30th Floor, Suite 3005 (Image Source VTS)

 

This 5,049 sq ft pre-built office space, suitable for 38 people, is currently available for direct leasing.

  • Partial 39th Floor, Suite 3920 (Image Source: VTS)

 

This 11,553 sq ft office space is available for sublease right now. It comes in pre-existing condition and can accommodate 77 people.

3. The Graybar Building

Situated at 420 Lexington Avenue, the 30-story Graybar Building provides top-notch Class A office space near Grand Central Terminal. Owned and managed by SL Green, this 1.2 million-square-foot property experienced a complete renovation in the early 2000s. Tenants benefit from amenities like a messenger center and 32 passenger elevators. Additionally, they enjoy cutting-edge HVAC, direct Grand Central access, and a LEED Gold certification for energy efficiency.

Tenants: New York Life, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, State Farm, Vanbarton Group, SL Green, Standard Insurance

Average asking rent: ~$70 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 2nd Floor, Suite 212 (Image Source: VTS)

 

This 2,443 sq ft pre-built space, available for direct lease now, is estimated to accommodate up to 16 people.

  • Partial 5th Floor, Suite 530 (Image Source: VTS)

 

Available for immediate direct leasing, this pre-built office space offers 5,536 sq ft and estimated capacity for 37 people.

  • Partial 3rd Floor, Suite 345-46 (Image Source: VTS)

This 10,210 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 68 people is currently available for direct lease in its pre-existing condition.

4. The General Motors Building

Constructed in 1968, the General Motors Building, located at 767 Fifth Ave, features nearly 1.8 million square feet of premium Manhattan office space. This building is positioned in the coveted Plaza District between Fifth and Madison Avenues. Over time, it has received multiple upgrades, resulting in top-notch amenities. For instance, there is a street-level public plaza with 65-foot fountains and marble. Furthermore, the ground floor is home to the renowned Apple ‘Cube’ Store, which debuted in 2006.

Tenants: Estee Lauder, General Motors, Macklowe Properties, U.S. Trust, Maverick Capital, Weil, Apple

Average asking rent: ~$100-$150 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 8th Floor, Suite P8

 

This 28,656 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 191 people is currently available for sublease in its pre-existing condition.

5. 50 Hudson Yards

The 2.9 million-square-foot 50 Hudson Yards is NYC’s fourth-largest commercial office tower and encompasses an entire city block. This 58-story marvel can accommodate over 500 employees per floor, perfect for growing companies. Of course, tenants will enjoy Hudson River and Vessel views, outdoor terraces, private sky lobbies, porte-cochere, and valet parking. However, the floor-to-ceiling windows in expansive office spaces are the icing on the cake.

Tenants: Facebook, BlackRock, Debevoise & Plimpton

Average asking rent: ~$100 per square foot

6. 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Located in the heart of NYC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, or 30 Rock, is a revered Class A office building spanning 2.5 million square feet. This distinguished structure, completed in 1932, boasts several renowned attractions. Among them are the outdoor skating rink and the ‘Top of the Rock’ observation deck, in addition to hosting studios for SNL and 30 Rock. Moreover, the owner, Tishman Speyer, implemented a comprehensive upgrade in 2014. This renovation included an impressive lobby, garage parking, and a 70,000-square-foot underground shopping concourse. As a result, the building is a highly coveted destination for media, communications, law, and financial firms.

Tenants: NBCUniversal, Tishman Speyer, Deloitte, Oxygen Media, Starbucks, J. Crew

Average asking rent: ~$90-$100 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 20th Floor, Suite 2080 (Image Source: VTS)

This 2,326 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 16 people will be available for direct lease on 7/1/23 in its pre-built condition.

  • Partial 20th Floor, Suite 2050

This 5,656 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 38 people will be available for direct lease on 7/1/23 in its pre-built condition.

  • Partial 20th Floor, Suite 2060

This 6,286 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 42 people will be available for direct lease on 7/1/23 in its pre-built condition.

7. 3 Times Square

Situated in the bustling heart of Times Square, the Reuters Building at 3 Times Square is an 860,000-square-foot Class A office tower erected in 2000. The headquarters of Thomson Reuters are housed within this remarkable building, featuring energy-efficient glass, column-free office space, and exceptional ceiling heights. In addition, certain floors have terraces and are near various shopping and dining options. The floor plates range from 28,000 to 35,000 square feet.

Tenants: Thomson Reuters, Chase Bank, Bain & Company, the Bank of Montreal

Average asking rent: ~$80-$100 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 1st Floor, Suite 110 (Image Source: VTS)

This 4,107 sq ft office space is currently available for direct lease in its raw condition.

  • Partial 24th Floor, Suite 2400 (Image Source: VTS)

This 10,175 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 68 people is currently available for direct lease but is still under construction.

  • Entire 29th Floor, Suite 2900 (Image Source: VTS)

This 27,668 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 184 people is currently available for direct lease in its raw condition.

8. 3 Columbus Circle

Nestled in one of Midtown’s most active areas, 3 Columbus Circle is a 26-story tower boasting 625,000 square feet of prime office space. Completed in 1927, this building occupies an entire square block, proudly facing Central Park and the Time Warner Center. After Gensler’s thorough renovation in 2011, tenants can relish in 24/7 access and security, stunning Manhattan skyline views, a full-time lobby attendant, USPS drop-off, and charming outdoor terraces.

Tenants: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Moinian Group, Versace, Young & Rubicam Group, Chase Bank, Nordstrom

Average asking rent: ~$80-$90 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 14th Floor, Suite 1410 (Image Source: VTS)

This 2,130 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 14 people is currently available for direct lease in its pre-built condition.

  • Partial 12th Floor, Suite 1201 (Image Source: VTS)

This 4,052 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 27 people is currently available for direct lease in its pre-built condition.

  • Entire 24th Floor, Suite 2410 (Image Source: VTS)

 

This 5,227 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 35 people is currently available for sublease in its pre-existing condition.

9. 441 Ninth Avenue

Once an industrial warehouse, the 700,000-square-foot Hudson Commons at 441 Ninth Avenue has transformed into a remarkable Class A office tower with an additional 280,000 square feet. The building features floor-to-ceiling windows, 14 terraces, balconies, efficient floor plates, unique mushroom-capped columns, on-site parking, and event space. Recently, the property sold for $1 billion in late 2021, marking NYC’s largest investment transaction since June 2019.

Tenants: Lyft, Peloton, Brevet Capital Management, True, Ovid Therapeutics, Fireblocks

Average asking rent: ~$100 per square foot

Listings:

  • Entire 3rd Floor, Suite 300 (Image Source: VTS)

This 50,319 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 335 people is currently available for sublease in its pre-existing condition.

10. The Chrysler Building

The iconic Chrysler Building is an esteemed 1.1-million-square-foot Art Deco skyscraper and a sought-after location for companies searching for office space in NYC’s vibrant Grand Central submarket. Being a National Historic Landmark, it features Class A, LEED, and Gold-certified office space. Following a renovation in 2000, the property added amenities such as 24/7 access and security, a concierge-attended lobby, a direct connection to Grand Central Station, and energy-efficient central HVAC systems.

Tenants: Moses & Singer, A&L Goodbody, Northstar Group, Kimco Realty, Columbia University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Time Inc., Regus

Average asking rent: ~$60 per square foot

Listings:

  • Partial 35th Floor, Suite 3504 (Image Source: VTS)

 

This 2,803 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 19 people is currently available for direct lease in its 2nd generation condition.

  • Partial 32nd Floor, Suite 3201 (Source: VTS)

 

This 4,728 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 32 people is currently available for direct lease in its 2nd generation condition, featuring a 10′ 6″ slab-to-slab ceiling height.

  • Entire 51st Floor, Suite E51 (Image Source: VTS)

This 11,183 sq ft office space with an estimated capacity for 75 people is currently available for sublease in its pre-existing condition.

The Key Takeaway

That wraps up our top 10 Midtown Manhattan Class A office buildings rankings. From the iconic Chrysler Building to the cutting-edge One Vanderbilt, these skyscrapers showcase the best of Midtown. And who can forget the landmark 30 Rock, where ice-skaters glide below while deals get made?

As you ponder your next big move, remember that a prime location, impressive amenities, and that coveted NYC address can make all the difference.

Armed with this list, you can elevate your business and impress clients. Ultimately, a prestigious office in one of these architectural wonders is more than just a workspace – it’s a statement.

 

Are you considering a move to Manhattan for your business? Are you seeking a modern building with top-notch amenities? Let us help you find the perfect office space in the heart of NYC! To explore available options, call us at (212) 444-2241 or email us at [email protected]

 

Alan Rosinsky, Principal Broker, Metro Manhattan Office Space
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alan Rosinsky Principal Broker, Metro Manhattan Office Space Since 2004, Alan has negotiated over 400 leases with NYC’s leading landlords and brokers, representing startups and established businesses in industries like technology, private equity, healthcare, retail, and fashion. A New Yorker since 1983, he brings extensive experience and insight into commercial leasing across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, helping business tenants negotiate the best possible terms for their ideal spaces.

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