NYC Office Leasing Specialist

NYC Office Leasing Specialist

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Five Great Showroom Buildings in the Garment Center

When I began my career in commercial real estate in 1995, my focus was exclusively on the Garment Center, the district defined by 35th to 40th Streets between Fifth and Ninth Avenues. At the time, while the area was past its historical “heyday,” it remained a specialized ecosystem.

Buildings were highly curated by niche: there were specific addresses for outerwear, swimwear, high-end couture, textiles etc.

The landscape shifted in the late 1990s. The first wave of the dot-com era brought tech companies that prized the district’s high ceilings and open lofts. These new arrivals were willing to pay premium rents for larger footprints. Soon, a diverse range of industries followed, drawn by the unparalleled transit access and the “value play” compared to Midtown and Midtown South.

Today, while the district is a mix of media, tech, and professional services, several key properties have maintained a premier showroom component. If you considering leasing a showroom space in the Garment Center, here are five buildings to consider.

1. h530 Seventh Avenue (39th Street)h

Owned and operated by Savitt Partners—the same family that constructed it nearly a century ago—530 Seventh remains deeply connected to its tenancy. Ownership excels at delivering high-quality, turnkey spaces. The building features an onsite coworking hub on the 2nd floor and a premier rooftop lounge. Notable tenants include BCI Brands and Tailored Brands.

530 Seventh Avenues leo.

2. 525 Seventh Avenue (38th Street)

Another family-operated pillar of the district, 525 Seventh caters specifically to small and medium-sized fashion firms. With 18,000 square-foot floor plates, the building offers versatile suites ranging from 1,500 to 30,000 square feet, maintaining a vibrant showroom atmosphere despite the neighborhood’s diversification.

525 Seventh Avenue

3. 214 West 39th Street (Between 7th & 8th Avenues)

This block is unique for its high density of showroom use. 214 West 39th stands out for its elegant lobby, loft-like common hallways, and proximity to Seventh Avenue. By being situated just off the Avenue, it offers a distinct rental discount while delivering a tenant experience comparable to the “main” corridor.

214 West 3Gth Street

4. 1400 Broadway (38th Street)

A centerpiece of the district, 1400 Broadway, houses major retailers like Kohl’s and Burlington alongside boutique fashion firms. This pre-war asset recently underwent a $45 million capital improvement program. It is part of the Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) portfolio, which includes nearby 1333, 1350, 1359 Broadway and 501 Seventh Avenue.

1400 Broadway

5. 1407 Broadway (38th & 39th Streets)

Spanning 1.1 million square feet, 1407 Broadway is a massive asset that has successfully retained a powerful fashion base. Owned by Shorenstein, the building offers rare four-sided window lines, providing light and views that are hard to replicate in the denser parts of the district.

1407 Broadway

The Garment Center continues to offer some of the most character-rich and strategically located spaces in Manhattan. If you are considering a lease in the district, I would be happy to share my data and market insights to help guide you through the process.

Paul Walker Senior Vice President | 212-984-7117 | Paul.Walker@cbre.com

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.