Curtis + Ginsberg Architects Signs New Lease at One Battery Park Plaza
In a significant move for both the architectural community and Lower Manhattan's commercial real estate market, Rudin has announced that Curtis + Ginsberg Architects has signed a 12,602-square-foot lease at One Battery Park Plaza. The award-winning, New York City-based architectural firm will relocate its headquarters to a portion of the 27th floor of the iconic 35-story office tower, marking a new chapter in the firm's storied history and reinforcing the continued appeal of Lower Manhattan as a premier destination for professional services firms.
The lease spans 11 years, giving Curtis + Ginsberg a long-term home that reflects both the firm's commitment to the neighborhood and its confidence in the future of in-person, collaborative work environments. The firm is expected to complete its relocation from its current 10,307-square-foot office at 55 Broad Street during the third quarter of 2023.
Why Curtis + Ginsberg Architects Is Expanding Its Footprint
The move represents more than a simple change of address. Curtis + Ginsberg Architects is upgrading from roughly 10,300 square feet to over 12,600 square feet — a meaningful expansion of approximately 22 percent. This additional space will allow the firm to better support its growing team and foster the kind of collaborative, creative work culture that defines its approach to design.
Known for providing award-winning architectural services with a specialization in quality sustainable design, Curtis + Ginsberg has built a reputation for creating spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also environmentally responsible. The firm's decision to expand rather than contract speaks to its optimism about the future of architecture and design services in New York City, even as many companies have reduced their office footprints in the post-pandemic era.
R. Darby Curtis AIA, Managing Partner of Curtis + Ginsberg, expressed enthusiasm about the transition: "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." The statement underscores the firm's dual commitment — to its people and to the broader communities it serves through thoughtful, sustainable architecture.
The Story Behind 55 Broad Street's Transformation
The relocation is closely tied to a major real estate transaction involving the firm's former home. Rudin recently finalized the sale of 55 Broad Street to Silverstein Properties and Metro Loft Management, who plan to convert the building into 571 residential units. Rudin will retain an equity stake in the project, ensuring continued involvement in the property's future even as it transitions from commercial to residential use.
This conversion is part of a broader trend in Lower Manhattan, where older office buildings are being reimagined as residential housing to address New York City's ongoing housing needs. By facilitating Curtis + Ginsberg's move within its portfolio, Rudin was able to accommodate the transition seamlessly, maintaining a valued tenant relationship while also moving forward with the adaptive reuse of 55 Broad Street.
Michael Rudin, Executive Vice President of Rudin, highlighted the significance of the relationship: "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. Their decision to remain within our portfolio is indicative of Rudin's history of creating long-term relationships with our tenants." This kind of tenant loyalty is a hallmark of Rudin's approach to property management and speaks to the quality of the experience the company provides across its portfolio.
One Battery Park Plaza: A Premier Lower Manhattan Office Tower
One Battery Park Plaza is one of Lower Manhattan's most distinguished commercial office towers. Originally constructed by the Rudins in 1971, the building features original architecture by the celebrated firm Emery Roth & Sons and a beautifully renovated Italian marble lobby designed by Specter DeSouza Architects. With floor plates ranging from 27,000 to 29,000 square feet spread across 35 floors and 870,000 square feet of total space, the building offers generous, flexible layouts suitable for a wide range of professional tenants.
Among the building's most celebrated features are its sweeping, panoramic views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and Battery Park. For an architectural firm like Curtis + Ginsberg, whose work is deeply rooted in an appreciation for the built and natural environment, these views offer daily inspiration and a constant reminder of the unique urban context in which the firm operates.
A Building Built for the Future of Work
One Battery Park Plaza is not just a historic landmark — it is a forward-thinking workplace designed to meet the demands of today's tenants. The building has achieved the WELL Health-Safety Rating, a globally recognized standard that ensures buildings support the health and well-being of their occupants. It is also WiredScore Platinum certified, reflecting superior digital connectivity infrastructure that is essential for modern professional firms.
Additionally, the building utilizes Nantum, widely regarded as the world's most advanced building operating system. Nantum leverages artificial intelligence and real-time data to optimize energy usage, air quality, and overall building performance — aligning perfectly with Curtis + Ginsberg's own mission of sustainable, responsible design.
- WELL Health-Safety Rating: Ensures a safe, healthy environment for all building occupants, covering air quality, sanitation, emergency preparedness, and more.
- WiredScore Platinum Certification: Recognizes the building's best-in-class digital infrastructure and connectivity, critical for tech-forward architectural and design firms.
- Nantum Building OS: An AI-driven operating system that reduces energy consumption and optimizes building performance in real time, supporting sustainability goals.
Lower Manhattan Continues to Attract Top-Tier Professional Firms
Curtis + Ginsberg's decision to remain in Lower Manhattan — and to expand there — is a strong endorsement of the neighborhood's continued vitality as a commercial hub. Lower Manhattan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a district primarily associated with finance into a diverse, dynamic neighborhood that attracts companies across a wide range of industries, including architecture, technology, media, and professional services.
The area offers a unique combination of historic character, modern infrastructure, excellent transit connectivity, and proximity to some of New York City's most iconic landmarks and green spaces. For firms that value identity, inspiration, and community — as Curtis + Ginsberg clearly does — Lower Manhattan remains one of the most compelling places to do business in the world.
What This Lease Means for the NYC Commercial Real Estate Market
The signing of this lease is a positive signal for New York City's commercial real estate market, which has faced uncertainty in recent years as companies reassess their space needs in a hybrid work environment. The fact that an established professional firm not only renewed its commitment to a physical office but also expanded its footprint suggests that high-quality, amenity-rich office space continues to attract tenants willing to make long-term commitments.
For Rudin, the deal represents another success in its strategy of offering premium, well-maintained properties in prime Manhattan locations. By pairing strong tenant relationships with best-in-class buildings like One Battery Park Plaza, Rudin continues to demonstrate why it remains one of New York City's most respected real estate families.
As Curtis + Ginsberg Architects prepares for its move to One Battery Park Plaza in the third quarter of 2023, both the firm and the building are poised for an exciting new chapter — one defined by expansion, sustainability, and a shared commitment to excellence in the heart of Lower Manhattan.