5 Fascinating Facts About 260 West 36th Street: The Historic NYC Loft Building At The Heart Of The Garment District

As of December 23, 2025, 260 West 36th Street in New York, NY 10018, stands as a quintessential piece of Manhattan's evolving commercial real estate landscape, bridging the area's rich history as the Garment District with its modern identity as a dynamic Midtown South business hub. This 10-story loft-style office building, constructed in 1907, remains a highly sought-after address due to its classic architectural features—including high ceilings and cast iron columns—and its strategic location near major transit points like Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The property has recently been the subject of significant market activity, reflecting the ongoing investment and transformation in this central New York City neighborhood. The building at 260 West 36th Street is more than just a commercial address; it represents a historical era of New York manufacturing and design, now adapted for the needs of modern tenants seeking authentic, character-rich office spaces. Its recent sale and active leasing status underscore its continued relevance in a competitive market, making it a key entity in the discussion of Manhattan’s future commercial development and the potential for office-to-residential conversions in the surrounding area.

The Legacy of 260 West 36th Street: A Garment District Icon

The structure at 260 West 36th Street is deeply rooted in the history of the Garment District, an area historically known as the heart of American fashion and textile production.

A Century of Architectural Character

Built in 1907, the building predates many of the modern skyscrapers that now define the Midtown South skyline. It is a 10-story commercial loft building, a style popular for accommodating the large, open floor plans needed by early 20th-century manufacturers and designers. The total rentable square footage (RSF) is approximately 102,611, with a typical floor size of 10,450 square feet.

Signature Loft-Style Features

The building retains much of its original character, which has been appealingly preserved and enhanced through a 2002 renovation. Key architectural features that define this classic loft-style office space include:

• Original cast iron columns.
• Authentic hardwood floors.
• High ceilings (12' slab to slab).

These elements provide a sense of industrial chic and spaciousness that modern businesses, particularly in creative and tech sectors, often prefer over traditional office layouts.

Ownership and Major Real Estate Transactions

The financial history of 260 West 36th Street highlights its value as a prime commercial asset. The property changed hands in a significant transaction recorded in early 2023.

• Sale Date: December 19, 2022 (recorded January 4, 2023).
• Sale Price: $33,000,000.
• Current Owner: 260 W 36 PROPERTY LLC.

This multi-million-dollar sale reaffirms the strength of the commercial real estate market in this specific Manhattan submarket, despite broader economic fluctuations.

Modern Amenities and Prime Location: Why Tenants Choose This Address

The building’s enduring appeal is not solely historical; its functional amenities and unparalleled access to transportation make it a top-tier choice for a diverse range of tenants.

Essential Building Services

To meet the demands of a modern 24/7 city, the building offers crucial services that support continuous business operations.

• 24/7 Access for tenants.
• Attended Lobby, providing security and a professional presence.
• Tenant-controlled HVAC systems in many leased spaces.

These features are critical for businesses operating outside of standard 9-to-5 schedules, which is common in the creative and media industries.

Unbeatable Proximity and Walkability

The address 260 West 36th Street boasts a phenomenal location in the heart of Midtown, giving it a near-perfect Walk Score of 98. This high score reflects its exceptional proximity to virtually every amenity and transit option New York City has to offer.

• Transportation Hubs: It is located within easy walking distance of Penn Station (LIRR, NJ Transit, Amtrak, Subway), the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and numerous subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7).
• Neighborhood Access: The building is strategically positioned between Times Square and Hudson Yards, providing tenants with access to a vibrant mix of dining, retail, and entertainment options.

This connectivity is a major draw for companies that rely on easy commuting for employees and client accessibility.

The Evolving Commercial Landscape: Leasing and Future Potential

The current leasing activity and broader real estate trends suggest a dynamic future for 260 West 36th Street and the surrounding Garment District.

Active Leasing and Tenant Profile

The building consistently has office space available for lease, ranging in size from smaller units to full-floor spaces, indicating a healthy turnover and demand. Current available spaces typically range from 1,484 to 9,500 square feet. A notable recent tenant is Banana Skirt Productions, which secured a long-term lease in the building. This type of tenant, often involved in creative or fitness-related industries, is characteristic of the modern businesses that have replaced traditional garment manufacturers in the area. The building is classified as an O6 property, meaning it is an Office with Commercial use, confirming its mixed-use commercial nature.

Midtown South and the Conversion Trend

The location of 260 West 36th Street in Midtown South places it squarely in a neighborhood that is currently a focal point for the city's real estate discussion regarding office-to-residential conversion. As the commercial office market adjusts post-pandemic, older, well-located commercial properties like this one are being eyed as prime candidates for transformation into residential units. While 260 West 36th Street currently operates successfully as an office building, its classic loft structure and central location make it an entity highly relevant to this ongoing urban planning and development trend. The continued high demand for housing in Manhattan, coupled with the age and layout of many Garment District buildings, makes this a key point of topical authority when discussing the property’s long-term future.

A Hub for Creative and Professional Services

The building is not only home to tenants like Banana Skirt Productions but also attracts a variety of professional services, design firms, and technology companies that seek the unique aesthetic and central location. The blend of 1907 architecture with 21st-century amenities creates an environment that appeals to firms looking for a distinctive corporate identity away from the glass-and-steel towers of newer developments. The property's enduring stability, evidenced by its major sale and active leasing, confirms its status as a reliable and highly desirable commercial asset in the heart of New York City.

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