The Bricken Center Building: 5 Surprising Facts About 247 West 37th Street, NYC’s Hidden Garment District Hub
Step into the heart of Manhattan’s historic Garment District, and you’ll find 247 West 37th Street, a commercial building that tells a unique story of New York City’s evolving business landscape. As of December 24, 2025, this address remains a vital commercial hub, perfectly positioned between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, offering Class B office space that appeals to a diverse mix of tenants, from high-end fashion designers to crucial non-profit organizations. It’s a classic New York structure that has successfully adapted to the demands of the modern Midtown market, proving that history and contemporary utility can coexist.
Originally known as the Bricken Centre Building, the property’s longevity and recent strategic renovations make it a compelling subject for commercial real estate enthusiasts and anyone interested in the pulse of Midtown South. This article dives deep into the architecture, the unexpected tenant roster, and the current market standing of this iconic 18-story structure, providing the most up-to-date information for 2025 and beyond.
The Definitive Profile: Biography of the Bricken Center Building
- Official Address: 247 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018
- Original Name: Bricken Center Building (or Bricken Centre Building)
- Location: Garment District, Midtown Manhattan (between 7th and 8th Avenue)
- Year Built: 1924 (often cited as 1925)
- Architectural Firm: Gronenberg & Leuchtag
- Original Builder: Bricken Construction Company
- Building Class: Class B Commercial Office
- Total Stories: 18 or 19 Stories
- Total Building Size: Approximately 271,000 Square Feet (SF)
- Property Tenancy: Multi-Tenant (Mix of Fashion, Non-Profit, and Commercial)
- Recent Renovations: Elevators (2014) and Lobby (2016)
- Owner/Manager: Managed by GFP Real Estate
- Current Market Value: Tax assessor’s market value was recently assessed at $32,695,000
1. A Timeless Architectural Design by Gronenberg & Leuchtag
The Bricken Center Building, completed in 1924, is a classic example of the early 20th-century loft-style commercial architecture that defines the Garment District. Designed by the prolific architectural firm Gronenberg & Leuchtag, the building was specifically engineered to house the burgeoning fashion and textile industries that clustered in this area of Midtown Manhattan.
Gronenberg & Leuchtag were masters of the utilitarian yet aesthetically pleasing commercial structure. Their design for 247 West 37th Street prioritized large floorplates and high ceilings, features essential for the showrooms, manufacturing, and design studios that were its original tenants. The building's Class B designation, while technically a step below the newest Class A towers, is a testament to its enduring quality and strategic updates. Recent renovations to the lobby (2016) and elevators (2014) have ensured that the historic charm is complemented by modern infrastructure, keeping the property competitive in the current New York City office market. This blend of historic architecture and modern amenities makes it an appealing choice for businesses seeking character without sacrificing functionality.
2. The Unique Tenant Ecosystem: Fashion Meets Non-Profit
What truly sets 247 West 37th Street apart from its neighbors is its surprisingly diverse and stable tenant mix. While the building maintains its deep roots in the fashion industry, it has also become a critical center for major New York non-profit organizations, creating a unique micro-ecosystem within its walls.
On the one hand, the building is home to high-profile names in the fashion world, such as the famous American designer Prabal Gurung. This presence solidifies the building’s connection to the Garment District’s legacy of design, showrooms, and textile trade. On the other, the building houses several vital community and social services organizations, including:
- JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging): A major non-profit dedicated to serving older adults.
- Workmens Circle: A social justice and Jewish cultural organization.
- The Settlement Housing Fund: Focused on developing and managing affordable housing.
- The Journey Church NYC: A religious organization that recently renewed a significant 9,000-square-foot office lease.
This mix of tenants—from haute couture to essential social services—demonstrates the building's flexibility and the evolving nature of commercial real estate in Midtown. It’s a testament to the fact that the Garment District is no longer solely about textiles but has become a multi-purpose hub for various industries.
3. Current Market Status and 2025 Leasing Activity
The commercial real estate market in the Garment District, and New York City as a whole, is undergoing a significant rebalancing in 2025. While the overall Midtown office market faces challenges, properties like 247 West 37th Street are capitalizing on the flight-to-quality trend by offering well-maintained, strategically located space at competitive rates.
The building’s management, GFP Real Estate, has successfully attracted new and renewing tenants, indicating strong confidence in the property. A recent example is Knit Illustrated, Inc., which signed a five-year lease for a 4,051-square-foot office space. This lease activity, alongside the renewal by The Journey Church NYC, highlights the building's stability and value proposition.
Compared to the ultra-luxury, high-cost Class A towers, 247 West 37th Street offers a compelling alternative. It provides the essential connectivity of a Midtown address—with easy access to Penn Station, Port Authority, and major subway lines—without the premium price tag. For tenants like non-profits who require central locations with budget constraints, or fashion companies who need proximity to the trade but value cost efficiency, this Class B building remains an essential part of the commercial landscape.
4. The Bricken Company Legacy and Garment District History
The name "Bricken Center Building" ties the property directly to its origins and the history of New York's development. The Bricken Construction Company, which built the structure in 1924, was instrumental in developing the industrial and commercial loft spaces that characterized the Garment District's boom years. These buildings were designed to be robust, functional, and capable of handling the heavy machinery and large staff required by the textile industry.
The Garment District, which spans roughly from 34th to 42nd Street and Fifth to Ninth Avenue, has always been defined by the vertical integration of the fashion supply chain—from design and manufacturing to sales and showrooms. 247 West 37th Street was built to be a part of this machine. Even today, the building's architecture and location serve as a constant reminder of the district's rich history, even as the neighborhood evolves to include tech, media, and professional services.
5. An Underrated Hub for Connectivity and Commute
A key, often-overlooked feature of 247 West 37th Street is its unparalleled connectivity, which is a major selling point in the post-2020 commercial market where employee commute is a critical factor. Located just steps from major transit hubs, the building is a commuter's dream.
- Subway Access: Immediate access to the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, and 7 lines.
- Regional Rail: Walking distance to Penn Station (LIRR, NJ Transit, Amtrak) and Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Midtown Proximity: Located near Hudson Yards, Times Square, and the new Moynihan Train Hall.
This logistical advantage ensures that the building remains highly attractive to multi-state and regional businesses. The ease of access helps explain why diverse entities, including major non-profits and national fashion brands, choose to anchor their New York operations at this specific address, making 247 West 37th Street a quietly powerful player in the competitive Midtown commercial landscape.
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