The $900 Million Transformation: 7 Shocking Secrets Of 711 Fifth Avenue, New York’s Most Dramatically Repositioned Building

Contents
The iconic 711 Fifth Avenue building in New York City is currently at the center of a high-stakes legal and commercial drama, marking a new chapter for the property that was once the global headquarters of The Coca-Cola Company. As of December 25, 2025, the historic Beaux-Arts structure is undergoing a massive repositioning effort under its new ownership, a process that has been complicated by a bitter, ongoing eviction battle with one of its most elite tenants, the members-only Core Club. This deep dive explores the building’s phenomenal history, its blockbuster sale, and the current controversies defining its future on the world's most expensive retail corridor. This property, located on the southeast corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue in the prestigious Plaza District, is far more than just a commercial address; it is a microcosm of Manhattan’s volatile luxury real estate market. The building’s transformation from a corporate headquarters to a modern, mixed-use luxury tower reflects broader trends in Midtown Manhattan, drawing in high-profile entities and sparking significant litigation that continues to make headlines.

The Blockbuster Sale and New Ownership Era

The story of the current 711 Fifth Avenue begins with its massive, high-profile sale, which signaled a dramatic shift in the building's purpose and identity.

1. The Nearly Billion-Dollar Deal

The building, formerly known as the Coca-Cola Building, was sold in August 2019 for a staggering $909.2 million.

This blockbuster transaction saw The Coca-Cola Company divest the property, which it had owned for decades.

The new ownership group is a consortium led by prominent developer Michael Shvo, alongside Deutsche Finance America and the Bilgili Group.

The sale, which valued the 354,000-square-foot mixed-use property at a premium, underscored the enduring value of prime Fifth Avenue real estate.

2. A Storied History of Iconic Tenants

Before its current iteration, 711 Fifth Avenue was a hub for some of America's most recognizable corporations.

The building was originally completed in 1927 by the Bethlehem Engineering Corporation and features a distinct Beaux-Arts architectural style.

It has famously served as the headquarters for major media powerhouses, including both NBC and Columbia Pictures, cementing its place in New York's commercial history.

For many years, it was simply known as the Coca-Cola Building, a major corporate anchor in the Plaza District office market.

The Battle for the Building: SHVO vs. The Core Club

The most compelling and current news surrounding 711 Fifth Avenue is the ongoing, bitter legal feud between the building's owner, Michael Shvo, and one of its most exclusive tenants, the members-only social club. This litigation highlights the intense pressure and high stakes of Midtown luxury leasing.

3. The High-Stakes Eviction Attempt

The Core Club, an ultra-exclusive, members-only social club, moved into 711 Fifth Avenue approximately two years ago, but the relationship with the landlord quickly soured.

The club's members pay an annual fee of $10,000 or more for access to the private amenities and services.

Michael Shvo's firm has initiated eviction proceedings against the Core Club, a dispute that has been ongoing for over a year and involves multiple lawsuits.

The landlord's attempts to boot the club from the tower have been met with resistance in court.

4. The Judge's Crucial Ruling

In a significant recent development, a New York state judge temporarily blocked Shvo’s eviction bid against the Core Club.

This ruling allows the exclusive club to maintain its highly visible perch on Fifth Avenue, at least for the immediate future.

The legal battle is centered on complex lease disputes and allegations, with the outcome having major implications for the building’s repositioning strategy.

The ongoing litigation ensures that 711 Fifth Avenue remains a focal point in the commercial real estate news cycle.

The Modern Repositioning and Future Outlook

Beyond the legal drama, the new ownership has been executing a sophisticated plan to modernize and reposition the building, transforming it into a boutique, Class A office and luxury retail destination.

5. The Peter Marino Lobby Redesign

As part of the repositioning, the lobby of 711 Fifth Avenue is undergoing a significant redesign led by the world-renowned Peter Marino Architects.

The goal of the renovation is to augment the sophisticated infrastructure and create a contemporary, seamless tenant experience that matches the prestige of the address.

The modernization efforts aim to solidify the building's status as one of the few boutique office buildings along the Fifth Avenue corridor.

6. The Elite Tenant Roster

The building's location is at the core of one of the world's most exclusive commercial and retail corridors, attracting a mix of luxury and corporate tenants.

Current retail tenants include prominent international luxury brands such as the Omega Boutique and Swatch New York.

In the office space, the global hospitality giant Accor has recently signed a lease for 23,000 square feet, a move that further validates the building's repositioning as a prime office address.

The mix of high-end retail and prestigious office tenants is crucial to the building's long-term commercial success in Midtown Manhattan.

7. A Centerpiece of the Plaza District

711 Fifth Avenue is a centerpiece of the Plaza District, which is known as the second-most expensive retail corridor in the world.

The property is actively marketed as one of only 20 boutique office buildings on Fifth Avenue, offering a unique and exclusive atmosphere.

Its strategic location at 55th Street provides unparalleled access to luxury shopping, fine dining, and major transportation hubs, making it a highly desirable location for global businesses.

The ongoing legal and commercial developments at 711 Fifth Avenue ensure it remains a symbol of the dynamic and high-stakes nature of New York City's commercial real estate market.

The $900 Million Transformation: 7 Shocking Secrets of 711 Fifth Avenue, New York’s Most Dramatically Repositioned Building
711 5th ave new york
711 5th ave new york

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