The $582 Million Renaissance: 5 Reasons Why 111 Fifth Avenue Is Manhattan’s Hottest Office Destination Right Now

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Step inside one of the most historically significant and rapidly evolving commercial buildings in Manhattan. As of late December 2025, 111 Fifth Avenue, also known as the Constable Building, is undergoing a major renaissance, solidifying its status as a premier destination for high-profile companies in New York City’s bustling Flatiron District. This 13-story Neo-Classical landmark, completed in 1895, is not just a piece of architectural history; it is a live case study in how century-old structures are being modernized to meet the demands of the 21st-century corporate world, attracting major tenants like Vita Coco and Douglas Elliman with state-of-the-art amenities.

The recent leasing activity and planned upgrades at 111 Fifth Avenue highlight a significant trend in the New York commercial real estate market: a flight to quality. Companies are seeking buildings that offer a blend of historical charm, prime location, and modern, high-end tenant experiences. The building's strategic location, between 18th and 19th Streets, and its recent LEED Certified Gold status make it a highly desirable address for forward-thinking businesses.

The Definitive Profile and Biography of 111 Fifth Avenue

The building at 111 Fifth Avenue has a storied past, rooted in the Gilded Age of New York City. Its history is a fascinating journey from a private mansion site to a modern, high-end commercial hub.

  • Primary Name: 111 Fifth Avenue
  • Secondary Name: The Constable Building (Named after the former tenant, Arnold Constable & Co.)
  • Address: 111-115 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003
  • Neighborhood: Flatiron District (Midtown South)
  • Year Completed: 1895
  • Architect: William Schickel
  • Architectural Style: Neo-Classical and Renaissance-revival
  • Height: Approximately 190 feet
  • Stories: 13
  • Total Office Space: Approximately 582,602 square feet
  • Former Site History: Built on the former site of the mansion owned by financier August Belmont, Jr.
  • Sustainability Status: LEED Certified Gold
  • Current Key Tenants (Entities): Vita Coco, Douglas Elliman, Radar Labs, LoveShackFancy.

A New Era of Luxury: The 2025 Amenity Floor and Tenant Exodus

The most compelling recent development at 111 Fifth Avenue is the impending opening of its dedicated amenity space. This strategic investment is the key factor driving the building’s current appeal and high-profile leasing success.

Vita Coco and Douglas Elliman Lead the Tenant Surge

The building’s management has successfully secured several major leases, signalling strong confidence in the Midtown South office market. The most notable is the agreement with the coconut water giant, Vita Coco. The company secured a substantial 22,530-square-foot lease to establish its new corporate headquarters. A significant draw for Vita Coco was the promise of a state-of-the-art penthouse amenity floor, which is scheduled to open in 2025.

Another major player committing to the building is the powerhouse real estate brokerage, Douglas Elliman. The firm is consolidating two of its Midtown South offices into a brand-new space at 111 Fifth Avenue, a move that streamlines operations and positions the company in a highly accessible and prestigious location. These high-profile leases demonstrate a "flight to quality," where established brands are willing to invest in premium office spaces that offer superior amenities and a better employee experience.

The Tech and Fashion Presence

The building is also becoming a magnet for tech and fashion entities. Geolocation platform Radar Labs recently signed a 20,000-square-foot lease, relocating from a nearby Broadway address. This move further anchors 111 Fifth Avenue as a key location for technology companies seeking modern, flexible office layouts in the Flatiron District. Furthermore, the women's clothier LoveShackFancy moved its offices to the building in 2022, adding to the building's fashion industry credentials.

The Express Departure: A Changing Retail Landscape

While new tenants are arriving, the building has also seen the departure of older ones, reflecting the dynamic nature of the retail and corporate environment. Fashion retailer Express announced the potential parting ways with 169 employees who worked out of its design center at 111 Fifth Avenue as part of a larger corporate restructuring and store closing strategy. This shift underscores the building's transition from a historical apparel hub to a mixed-use corporate center catering to diverse industries like tech, brokerage, and beverage.

Architectural Significance: The Constable Building’s Timeless Design

The architectural pedigree of 111 Fifth Avenue is a huge part of its enduring appeal. Designed by William Schickel, the 13-story structure was completed in 1895 and is a magnificent example of Neo-Classical and Renaissance-revival architecture.

A Flatiron District Landmark

The building sits strategically on the corner of Fifth Avenue, a prime location in the Flatiron District. Its exceptional architectural detailing is a hallmark of the 19th-century commercial building boom in Manhattan. The structure was erected on the site once occupied by the mansion of financier August Belmont, Jr., which adds a layer of historical significance and prestige to the address.

Modernization and Sustainability

Despite its age, the Constable Building is not stuck in the past. It has undergone significant modernization to meet contemporary standards. The building’s achievement of LEED Certified Gold status is a testament to its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, a critical factor for modern corporate tenants concerned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The combination of classic architecture and modern infrastructure creates a unique, high-quality work environment that is increasingly rare in New York City.

The ongoing investment in tenant experience, exemplified by the forthcoming 2025 penthouse amenity floor, ensures that 111 Fifth Avenue will remain a highly competitive and sought-after office address for years to come. The building’s successful attraction of major corporations like Vita Coco and Douglas Elliman confirms its position as a vibrant, modernized landmark in the heart of the Flatiron District.

111 5th avenue new york ny
111 5th avenue new york ny

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