Curtis + Ginsberg Architects Signs 11-Year Lease at One Battery Park Plaza
In a significant move for New York City's architectural and commercial real estate sectors, Rudin has officially announced that Curtis + Ginsberg Architects has signed a 12,602 square-foot lease at One Battery Park Plaza in Lower Manhattan. The award-winning firm, widely recognized for its commitment to sustainable and community-centered design, will relocate its headquarters to the 27th floor of the iconic 35-story office tower. The 11-year lease marks a major milestone not only for Curtis + Ginsberg but also for Rudin's continued strategy of cultivating long-term tenant relationships across its prestigious portfolio.
A Strategic Move Within Lower Manhattan's Office Market
Curtis + Ginsberg Architects is currently headquartered at 55 Broad Street, occupying approximately 10,307 square feet of office space. The firm is expected to complete its transition to One Battery Park Plaza during the third quarter of 2023. The new space represents a meaningful upgrade, offering an additional 2,295 square feet compared to their existing location — a reflection of the firm's steady growth and evolving operational needs.
The decision to remain in Lower Manhattan underscores the neighborhood's continued appeal as a hub for creative and professional services firms. Despite broader shifts in the commercial office market accelerated by remote work trends, Lower Manhattan has maintained its reputation as a vibrant, well-connected district with access to world-class infrastructure, public transit, and waterfront amenities.
Why One Battery Park Plaza?
One Battery Park Plaza is far more than a conventional office tower. Originally constructed by the Rudin family in 1971, the 870,000 square-foot building has been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded over the decades to meet the demands of modern tenants. The tower features original architecture by the legendary firm Emery Roth & Sons and a beautifully renovated Italian marble lobby designed by Specter DeSouza Architects, offering an impressive first impression for clients and visitors alike.
Floor plates in the building range from 27,000 to 29,000 square feet, providing flexible layout options that are ideal for collaborative work environments. Perhaps most striking are the building's panoramic views, which encompass New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and Battery Park — a setting that is as inspiring as it is prestigious.
For an architecture firm like Curtis + Ginsberg, which prides itself on design excellence and the creation of spaces that enrich communities, occupying a well-designed, historically significant building in one of New York City's most scenic locations is a fitting choice that aligns perfectly with the firm's core values.
Sustainability and Smart Building Technology at the Forefront
One Battery Park Plaza is not simply trading on its heritage and views. The building has earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating, a globally recognized certification that evaluates buildings based on policies, protocols, and design features that support human health and well-being. It is also WiredScore Platinum certified, meaning it offers best-in-class digital connectivity infrastructure — a critical consideration for any modern architecture and design practice that depends on seamless digital workflows, large file transfers, and real-time collaboration tools.
Furthermore, the building utilizes Nantum, widely regarded as the world's most advanced building operating system. Nantum leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize energy consumption, reduce the building's environmental footprint, and improve overall tenant experience. For a firm with a specialization in quality sustainable design, the alignment between Curtis + Ginsberg's mission and One Battery Park Plaza's operational philosophy could not be more coherent.
Voices Behind the Deal
Michael Rudin, Executive Vice President of Rudin, highlighted the significance of the lease agreement in the context of the company's broader portfolio evolution. "We are pleased to be able to accommodate Curtis & Ginsberg's move to One Battery Park Plaza as 55 Broad Street embarks on its next chapter," he stated. "Their decision to remain within our portfolio is indicative of Rudin's history of creating long-term relationships with our tenants."
R. Darby Curtis AIA, Managing Partner of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects, expressed equal enthusiasm. "We are excited to stay in Lower Manhattan and look forward to expanding our space at One Battery Park Plaza, which will enhance our collaborative work environment and mission of providing designs that enhance communities," Curtis remarked. The comment speaks to a deeper strategic intent: the new office will be designed to foster innovation, teamwork, and a culture of design excellence that has defined the firm for decades.
The Transformation of 55 Broad Street
The backdrop to this relocation is equally newsworthy. Rudin recently finalized the sale of 55 Broad Street — Curtis + Ginsberg's current home — to Silverstein Properties and Metro Loft Management. The buyers intend to convert the building into 571 residential units, capitalizing on the growing demand for downtown Manhattan housing. Rudin will retain an equity stake in the conversion project, ensuring continued financial involvement in the asset's future.
This conversion is part of a wider trend in Lower Manhattan, where older commercial office buildings are being reimagined as residential properties. The shift reflects changing patterns in office utilization, evolving urban demographics, and city-level incentives designed to revitalize downtown neighborhoods through increased residential density.
What This Means for Lower Manhattan's Future
The relocation of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects to One Battery Park Plaza is a strong signal of confidence in Lower Manhattan as a destination for premier professional firms. As the neighborhood continues to evolve — welcoming residential conversions, attracting technology companies, and upgrading its public spaces — it remains one of New York City's most dynamic and strategically important districts.
- Curtis + Ginsberg Architects gains a larger, smarter, and more prestigious headquarters that supports its growth trajectory and sustainability mission.
- Rudin reinforces its reputation as a landlord that builds enduring relationships with high-caliber tenants across its portfolio.
- One Battery Park Plaza solidifies its status as a top-tier office destination in Lower Manhattan, combining historic character, modern amenities, and cutting-edge technology.
- The broader Lower Manhattan market benefits from a high-profile lease that demonstrates continued demand for quality office space in the area.
As New York City's commercial real estate market navigates ongoing transformation, transactions like this one — rooted in strong tenant-landlord relationships, thoughtful space planning, and a shared commitment to quality and sustainability — offer a compelling template for what successful urban office leasing can look like in the years ahead.