Curtis + Ginsberg Architects Signs Major Lease at One Battery Park Plaza
In a significant move for New York City's commercial real estate landscape, 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 architectural firm will relocate its headquarters to a portion of the 27th floor of the 35-story, 870,000 square-foot office tower under an 11-year lease agreement. The relocation is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2023, when the firm will vacate its current 10,307 square-foot office at 55 Broad Street.
This deal not only underscores the continued vitality of Lower Manhattan's commercial office market but also highlights the deepening relationship between Rudin and one of New York's most respected architectural practices. For Curtis + Ginsberg, the move represents both an expansion of their physical footprint and a reaffirmation of their commitment to remaining rooted in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
Why One Battery Park Plaza? A Strategic Choice for a Design-Forward Firm
For a firm that specializes in quality sustainable design and award-winning architectural services, the choice of One Battery Park Plaza is far from coincidental. The building offers an environment that aligns seamlessly with the values and working culture of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects. With floor plates ranging from 27,000 to 29,000 square feet, the tower provides expansive, flexible layouts that support the kind of collaborative, open-plan work environments that modern architecture firms depend upon.
Beyond the physical space, One Battery Park Plaza delivers an unmatched visual experience. Tenants on upper floors enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and Battery Park — a daily source of inspiration for a team that designs spaces meant to enhance communities and the human experience.
R. Darby Curtis AIA, Managing Partner of Curtis + Ginsberg, expressed genuine 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 reinforces that this move is not merely logistical — it is strategic, cultural, and mission-driven.
The Transition From 55 Broad Street: A Building's Next Chapter
The backstory of this relocation adds another layer of significance to the announcement. Rudin recently finalized the sale of 55 Broad Street — the building where Curtis + Ginsberg currently operates — to Silverstein Properties and Metro Loft Management. The new owners intend to convert the property into 571 residential units, marking a bold adaptive reuse project that reflects the broader trend of office-to-residential conversions sweeping through Lower Manhattan and cities across the United States. Rudin will retain an equity stake in the project.
Michael Rudin, Executive Vice President of Rudin, commented on the transition: "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 statement speaks volumes about the nature of tenant-landlord relationships in commercial real estate — trust, continuity, and mutual benefit are the foundations on which lasting partnerships are built.
One Battery Park Plaza: A Landmark Office Tower With Modern Credentials
Originally constructed by the Rudins in 1971, One Battery Park Plaza has stood as one of Lower Manhattan's most iconic office addresses for over five decades. The building features original architecture by the legendary firm Emery Roth & Sons, whose work helped define the mid-century Manhattan skyline. More recently, the tower's lobby was beautifully renovated by Specter DeSouza Architects, who introduced an elegant Italian marble design that brings a sense of timeless refinement to the building's entrance.
What truly sets One Battery Park Plaza apart in today's competitive commercial real estate market, however, is its impressive roster of modern certifications and smart-building technologies:
- WELL Health-Safety Rating: This internationally recognized certification confirms that the building adheres to rigorous standards for the health, safety, and well-being of its occupants — a critical consideration for businesses in a post-pandemic world.
- WiredScore Platinum Certification: Platinum-level WiredScore status places One Battery Park Plaza among the most digitally connected and technologically resilient office buildings in New York City, ensuring tenants benefit from best-in-class internet infrastructure and connectivity.
- Nantum Building Operating System: The building utilizes Nantum, recognized as the world's most advanced building operating system, which uses artificial intelligence to optimize energy consumption, improve occupant comfort, and reduce the building's overall carbon footprint.
These attributes make One Battery Park Plaza an exceptionally well-suited home for a firm like Curtis + Ginsberg, whose identity is rooted in sustainable design and environmentally responsible architectural practice.
What This Deal Signals for Lower Manhattan's Office Market
The Curtis + Ginsberg lease at One Battery Park Plaza arrives at a time when questions about the future of office space in New York City remain top of mind for landlords, tenants, and city planners alike. This deal sends a clear and confident signal: high-quality, well-amenitized, technologically advanced office buildings in premier locations continue to attract and retain discerning tenants.
Lower Manhattan has long been undergoing a renaissance, evolving from a district dominated by financial services firms into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that attracts creative, technology, and professional services companies. The conversion of 55 Broad Street into residential units is itself emblematic of this broader transformation, while the leasing activity at One Battery Park Plaza demonstrates that strong demand for premium office space persists alongside this residential growth.
About Curtis + Ginsberg Architects
Curtis + Ginsberg Architects is a New York City-based architectural firm with a distinguished reputation for delivering award-winning design across a range of project types. The firm places a strong emphasis on sustainable, community-enhancing design — creating buildings and spaces that not only serve their immediate users but also contribute positively to the urban fabric around them. Their upcoming headquarters at One Battery Park Plaza represents both a physical expansion and a renewed commitment to the values that have defined their practice for decades.
Conclusion: A Move That Reflects the Future of Work and Design
The relocation of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects from 55 Broad Street to One Battery Park Plaza is more than a real estate transaction. It is a story about long-term relationships, the evolution of Lower Manhattan, the enduring appeal of well-designed and sustainably operated office space, and a firm's commitment to growing without sacrificing its roots. As the firm settles into its expanded 27th-floor headquarters, it joins a building that is as forward-looking as the architecture it will help inspire. For both Rudin and Curtis + Ginsberg, this new chapter represents the best of what Lower Manhattan continues to offer.