5 Reasons 1185 Sixth Avenue Is NYC's Hottest Office Tower Right Now (Latest 2025 Update)

Contents

The iconic skyscraper at 1185 Sixth Avenue, also known as 1185 Avenue of the Americas or Stevens Tower, is currently one of the most compelling success stories in the competitive New York City office market. As of December 25, 2025, while many commercial properties struggle with post-pandemic vacancies, this Midtown Manhattan powerhouse is reportedly heading toward being fully leased, driven by a series of major new deals and strategic enhancements by its owner, SL Green.

This deep dive explores the unique factors contributing to the building's remarkable leasing momentum, the high-profile tenants who call it home, and its enduring status as a premier global business destination situated strategically between 46th and 47th Streets.

The Midtown Manhattan Powerhouse: A Comprehensive Building Profile

1185 Sixth Avenue is more than just a standard office tower; it is a landmark property with a rich history and a commanding presence on the Avenue of the Americas. Its profile is defined by classic design, massive scale, and an unparalleled location.

  • Official Name: 1185 Avenue of the Americas (commonly referred to as 1185 Sixth Avenue).
  • Nickname: Stevens Tower (named after the J.P. Stevens Company).
  • Location: Midtown Manhattan, spanning the block between West 46th Street and West 47th Street.
  • Architectural Style: International Style skyscraper.
  • Architect: Designed by the renowned firm Emery Roth & Sons.
  • Year Built: Completed in 1970 or 1971.
  • Height/Stories: A formidable 42 stories high.
  • Total Area: Approximately 1,047,390 square feet of commercial space.
  • Ownership/Management: SL Green Realty Corp.

The building's design, characterized by its clean lines and glass facade, is typical of the era, yet its recent success proves that strategic management and prime location can keep a classic property at the forefront of the modern commercial real estate market.

Why 1185 Sixth Avenue is Bucking the Office Trend

In a period where the New York office market faces significant challenges, 1185 Sixth Avenue stands out for its brisk leasing activity. The building is actively gaining traction and moving toward being fully leased, a testament to its quality and SL Green’s active management strategy.

1. High-Profile New Lease Signings

The most significant recent news revolves around a trio of new office leases. The beauty and wellness brand Moroccanoil secured a substantial 39,799 square-foot office space at the property. Additionally, SL Green finalized deals with financial firm Slatebrook and insurance firm Ryan Specialty, alongside another major financial firm. These transactions underscore the building's appeal to diverse, high-growth sectors, from finance to consumer goods.

2. Converting Subtenants to Direct Tenants

Another key indicator of success is the commitment of existing occupiers. Hartree Partners, a significant energy and commodities firm, transitioned from a subtenant to a direct leaseholder. This move provides long-term stability and showcases the firm's confidence in the building's location and amenities, further solidifying the occupancy base.

3. Strategic Backfilling of Major Vacancy

The building recently faced the challenge of a major tenant departure. Law firm King & Spalding, which had occupied roughly 129,000 square feet since 2005, is relocating to a new property. SL Green’s ability to quickly secure new, diverse tenants like Moroccanoil, Slatebrook, and Ryan Specialty demonstrates a proactive strategy to backfill this large space, ensuring the overall occupancy rate remains high.

A Hub for Global Business: Notable Tenants and Unbeatable Location

The tenant roster at 1185 Sixth Avenue reflects its status as a premier global business hub, attracting a mix of international corporations, financial powerhouses, and specialized service providers.

Current and Former Notable Tenants

The building is home to over 140 tenants, with several major entities anchoring the property:

  • Hess: A major global energy company.
  • Enel Americas: A prominent multinational electric utility company.
  • UHY LLP: A leading accounting and consulting firm.
  • FinTrU: A financial services company specializing in technology and regulation.
  • Eagle Tree Capital: A private equity firm.
  • Emerge 212: A provider of high-end flexible office and coworking spaces, catering to modern business needs.
  • Miles & Stockbridge: A major law firm with offices in the building.

This diverse mix of finance, energy, legal, and technology firms creates a dynamic and high-value professional environment, contributing to the building’s strong topical authority in the commercial sector.

4. Direct Access to NYC’s Core Infrastructure

One of the most significant selling points of 1185 Sixth Avenue is its connectivity. The building offers direct access to the Rockefeller Center Concourse and its extensive Transportation Hub. This provides tenants with sheltered, seamless access to multiple subway lines (B, D, F, M) and commuter rail connections, a critical advantage for businesses relying on a city-wide and regional workforce.

5. Proximity to Global Commerce and Culture

The building’s location on Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) places it in the heart of Midtown, near major landmarks and commercial districts. It is just steps away from the bustling Diamond District on 47th Street and the global retail and entertainment hub of Rockefeller Center. This proximity to high-value commerce and culture further enhances its desirability for corporations seeking a high-prestige address.

The Future Outlook: Stability and Continued Prestige

The long-term stability of 1185 Sixth Avenue is underpinned by its ground lease, which is set to expire in 2043. This term provides a clear horizon for planning and investment, allowing SL Green to continue implementing capital improvements and enhancements to maintain the building's competitive edge. The current flurry of leasing activity suggests a strong market confidence in the property’s value proposition well into the next decade.

In conclusion, 1185 Sixth Avenue continues to be a bellwether for the resilience and enduring appeal of prime Midtown Manhattan office space. By securing key leases with major entities like Moroccanoil and financial firms, and offering unparalleled access to New York’s transportation network, Stevens Tower is firmly established as a top-tier destination for global business.

5 Reasons 1185 Sixth Avenue is NYC's Hottest Office Tower Right Now (Latest 2025 Update)
1185 6th avenue nyc
1185 6th avenue nyc

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