5 Surprising Secrets Of 318 West 39th Street: NYC's Historic Finck Building Reborn
The address 318 West 39th Street in New York, NY 10018, is far more than just a set of coordinates in Midtown Manhattan; it represents a fascinating blend of New York City history, architectural resilience, and modern commercial dynamism. As of December 23, 2025, this building, historically known as the Finck Building, stands as a prime example of the Garment District’s ongoing evolution, successfully transitioning from its industrial roots to a vibrant Class B office and retail hub. Its recent major renovations and the signing of several high-profile, diverse tenants underscore its renewed significance in the competitive Manhattan real estate market.
The building’s strategic location, nestled between the bustling transportation nexus of Penn Station and the commercial energy of Hudson Yards, makes it a highly coveted piece of property. Its story is one of continuous adaptation, blending its early 20th-century architectural grandeur with the sleek, modernized amenities required by today's sophisticated businesses and retail operations. The following deep dive reveals the five most compelling secrets behind the enduring appeal and recent renaissance of 318 West 39th Street.
The Finck Building: A Glimpse into its Storied Past and Architecture
The structure at 318 West 39th Street possesses a rich history that anchors it firmly in the narrative of New York’s industrial and commercial development. Understanding its origins is key to appreciating its current status.
From Finck Brewery Site to Garment District Icon
The land on which the current building stands was once the site of the Finck Brewery, a piece of forgotten Manhattan history. The building itself was erected in 1915, a period when the Garment District was rapidly consolidating its position as the global center for fashion and textile production. This origin story provides the building with a unique historical context that distinguishes it from newer, more generic developments.
- Year Built: 1915
- Original Architects: Crow, Lewis, & Wickenhafer
- Original Name: Finck Building
- Building Class: Class B Office
- Building Size: Approximately 180,000 Square Feet (SF)
- Height: 13 Stories (some sources cite 12)
The architectural firm of Crow, Lewis, & Wickenhafer designed the structure with classically inspired architectural detailing, a nod to the era's aesthetic preferences. This design gives the building a distinct, classic New York feel, which the current ownership has carefully preserved while integrating modern updates. The facade and the welcoming, modernized lobby are testaments to this successful preservation and contemporary integration.
The Modern Renaissance: Ownership, Renovation, and Strategic Repositioning
The second secret to the building’s current success lies in the strategic vision and significant investment made in its recent revitalization. A major renovation project repositioned the property for the 21st-century tenant.
A 2018 Transformation by GFP Real Estate
The building underwent a significant renovation in 2018, a crucial move to modernize its infrastructure and appeal. This project was overseen by GFP Real Estate, LLC, which manages the property. The management company has focused on marketing the building as a prime location for diverse businesses, capitalizing on the building’s large floor plates and the area’s excellent accessibility. The renovation ensured that the classic structure meets modern commercial standards, offering a competitive edge against newer developments in nearby Hudson Yards.
The strategic repositioning targets Class B office tenants—businesses that seek a high-quality, well-located space without the premium price tag of Class A buildings. This strategy has proven highly effective, as evidenced by the influx of new and expanding tenants.
The New Tenant Landscape: A Hub for Diverse Commercial Powerhouses
Perhaps the most compelling evidence of 318 West 39th Street’s success is the recent flurry of major lease signings, which showcase the building’s appeal to a wide array of industries, from food service to non-profit organizations and maintenance services. This diversity creates a dynamic, mixed-use environment.
The Retail Anchor: Los Tacos No. 1
One of the most significant recent developments is the arrival of the highly popular food vendor, Los Tacos No. 1. In a major retail coup for the building, Watchale LLC, operating as Los Tacos No. 1, signed a new 10-year lease for a substantial 9,800 square feet (s/f) of space. This long-term commitment by a celebrated New York City food establishment not only provides a major amenity for office tenants but also acts as a powerful draw for foot traffic, significantly enhancing the building's profile in the Garment District.
Expanding Office and Non-Profit Presence
The building has also seen significant activity on its office floors, demonstrating its strength in attracting and retaining large commercial tenants:
- First Quality Maintenance: This company expanded its footprint, signing a new long-term lease for an additional 5,936 square feet on the ninth floor. This expansion brings their total occupancy to a considerable 33,000 SF, solidifying their long-term commitment to the address.
- SKIP of New York: A major non-profit organization, SKIP of New York, committed to a large 27,000 s/f lease. This move, expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023, is a significant relocation for the organization, highlighting the building’s suitability for large-scale institutional tenants.
These lease transactions collectively showcase the building's successful repositioning as a versatile and desirable commercial destination. The presence of major, stable tenants like First Quality Maintenance and the non-profit sector's confidence (SKIP of New York) provide a strong foundation for the building’s long-term financial health.
Strategic Location: The Nexus of Garment District and Hudson Yards
The fourth secret is the building’s enviable position within the Garment District, a location that offers unparalleled access to transportation, amenities, and neighboring commercial districts.
Proximity to Major NYC Hubs
318 West 39th Street sits in a highly transitional and active part of Manhattan. While historically part of the Garment District, its western edge location places it in close proximity to the massive redevelopment of Hudson Yards. This provides tenants with the benefit of being near a major, modern commercial and residential hub without the associated premium rental costs.
Furthermore, the building is exceptionally well-served by public transportation. Its location offers easy access to the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, and W subway lines, as well as the PATH trains and Amtrak services at Penn Station. This makes the address an ideal headquarters for businesses with employees commuting from various parts of the tri-state area.
Nearby Cultural and Recreational Amenities
The building's tenants and visitors also benefit from its proximity to some of Manhattan's most beloved public spaces and cultural institutions. Just a short walk to the east is Bryant Park, which offers open space, seating, and a year-round schedule of events. Adjacent to the park is the stunning New York Public Library’s main building, with its iconic architecture and vast resources. These amenities enhance the quality of life for employees, making the location more attractive to prospective tenants.
The Future Outlook: Resilience and Continued Growth
The final secret of 318 West 39th Street is the clear signal it sends about the resilience of the Class B office market in Midtown Manhattan. Despite the rise of new towers, the Finck Building has carved out a successful niche.
The building's strategy—combining a classic, charming architectural shell with modern infrastructure and a diverse tenant mix—is a blueprint for continued success. The recent major leases, especially the long-term commitments from Los Tacos No. 1 and First Quality Maintenance, indicate strong market confidence in the building’s management and location. As the Garment District continues its transformation, 318 West 39th Street, under the stewardship of GFP Real Estate, is perfectly positioned to attract the next wave of businesses looking for a blend of historical character, modern efficiency, and strategic accessibility.
The address is not just surviving; it is thriving, maintaining its integrity as a historic New York structure while fully embracing its role as a key commercial hub in the evolving Midtown landscape.
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