Top NYC Office Buildings for Nonprofit Organizations
For a nonprofit organization, finding the right office space is a balancing act. It needs to be a comfortable environment for your employees while also conveying to donors and board members that your organization is prudent with its resources, not spending lavishly on a fancy office. It’s about demonstrating financial responsibility without compromising on functionality or staff well-being.
Here’s a list of buildings that effectively strike this balance:
520 Eighth Avenue (Between 36th & 37th Streets)
This is one of the most popular buildings for nonprofit organizations. Owned by GFP Real Estate, 520 Eighth Avenue currently houses tenants like ASPCA, Center for Justice Innovation, JCC North America, and the Alliance of Resident Theatres. Its large 35,000 sq ft floorplates divide well, accommodating tenants of various sizes. The rent here is among the lowest in the city, and the lobby is attended 24/7, providing an added layer of security and convenience. Commercial Real Estate | Property Management | GFP Real Estate, New York
505 Eighth Avenue (35th Street)
Also owned by GFP Real Estate, 505 Eighth Avenue features smaller floor plates, making it ideal for tenants with smaller square footage requirements. Current tenants include CAI, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, and Upwardly Global. This property also offers rents on the lower end for Manhattan.
1333 / 1350 / 1359 Broadway
These three properties, owned by the REIT ESRT, are conveniently located near both Penn Station and Port Authority. They offer better value than being in the Grand Central submarket. All three buildings are highly renovated and cater to both small and large tenants. Nonprofit organizations like Rising Ground, Community Development Trust, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Claims Conference, and Parkinson’s Foundation call these buildings home. Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust in NYC | ESRT.
333 Seventh Avenue / 30 East 33rd Street / 45 West 36th Street
These three properties are owned by Samco Properties Samco Properties, known for being a reliable landlord to the nonprofit industry. They provide high-level office build-outs, and their rents are very competitive. Tenants include The Bridgespan Group, The Center for Family Support, Care for the Homeless, Better Business Bureau, National Kidney Foundation, and Village Health Works.
122 East 42nd Street / The Chanin Building (Lexington Avenue)
While The Chanin Building hasn’t been renovated to the same level as some of its Grand Central peers, it truly offers a prime location and solid value. There is direct access to Grand Central. Tenants here include International Rescue Committee, Education Through Music, and the Council for Economic Education.
205 & 220 East 42nd Street (Between Second & Third Avenue)
Both of these buildings have created office condominiums on their floors. This unique setup allows tenants to secure 30-year deals and directly manage their real estate taxes, offering long-term stability and potential cost savings.
- 205 East 42nd Street is owned by one of New York City’s largest private family owners, The Durst Organization. The Durst Organization. Tenants include United Way, Fedcap, and Urban Resource Institute.
- 220 East 42nd Street is owned by SL Green Homepage – SL Green – NYC’s Largest Commercial Landlord, one of New York’s largest REITs. Tenants include Visiting Nurse Services, YAI, and Community Preservation Corp.
120 Broadway & 120 Wall Street (Downtown)
Downtown has long been a popular destination for nonprofit organizations because the rents are significantly lower than Midtown, yet the quality of the buildings is comparable. Both of these properties are owned by Silverstein Properties Silverstein Properties’ have been significantly upgraded, and have a strong nonprofit presence.
- Tenants in 120 Broadway include Brennan Center for Justice, VillageCare, and the American Arbitration Association.
- 120 Wall Street houses organizations like amfAR, Odyssey House, and AFS USA.
There are many other properties in New York City that can work well for nonprofit organizations, offering quality space at a good value. As a broker who has represented many nonprofit organizations, I’d be delighted to discuss any real estate requirements your organization may have.
Paul Walker 212-984-7117
A commercial real estate broker specializing in all facets of office leasing for over 30 years, I’m also a proud native New Yorker with a deep love for this city. My commitment to my community is reflected in my founding of two real estate charity events and consistent involvement in professional organizations. Outside of work, I enjoy live music, movies, basketball, tennis, podcasts, and a continuous pursuit of knowledge, especially regarding history and the fascinating story of New York.
About the Author
Paul Walker
As a commercial real estate broker specializing in all facets of office leasing for over 30 years, I’m also a proud native New Yorker with a deep love for this city. My commitment to my community is reflected in my founding of two real estate charity events and consistent involvement in professional organizations. Outside of work, I enjoy live music, movies, basketball, tennis, podcasts, and a continuous pursuit of knowledge, especially regarding history and the fascinating story of New York.