If you’ve ever stood in the middle of the neon-soaked chaos of the "Center of the Universe," you’ve seen it. You probably didn't even realize you were looking at a piece of architectural history. I'm talking about 4 Times Sq New York NY. It’s that massive, 48-story skyscraper sitting right on the corner of Broadway and 42nd Street. Most people just call it the Condé Nast Building, though that's technically outdated since the publishing giant packed up for the World Trade Center years ago.
It’s an icon.
But it’s also kind of a paradox. In a city where buildings are constantly trying to out-glitz each other, 4 Times Square was actually a pioneer in something way less flashy: sustainability. Back in the late 90s, when everyone else was focused on excess, the Durst Organization decided to build the first "green" skyscraper in Manhattan. Honestly, it changed the way developers thought about the skyline. It wasn't just about height anymore. It was about how much energy you could save while still looking like a titan of industry.
The Skyscraper That Saved Times Square
You have to remember what Times Square looked like in the 80s and early 90s. It wasn't the family-friendly, Elmo-filled tourist trap we know today. It was gritty. It was rough. It was... well, a lot. When the Durst Organization broke ground on 4 Times Sq New York NY in 1996, it was a massive gamble. They were betting that corporate America actually wanted to be in the middle of all that noise.
Fox & Fowle (now FXCollaborative) designed it. They didn't just build a box. They built a 1.6 million-square-foot statement. The building features these massive electronic signs that are integrated into the facade, which helped it blend into the aesthetic of the district while housing some of the most powerful people in media and law.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom—one of the biggest law firms on the planet—was the original anchor tenant. Having Skadden and Condé Nast under one roof? That’s like having the brains and the beauty of the corporate world in one spot. It validated Times Square as a legitimate business hub. It wasn't just for theater-goers anymore.
The Green Revolution Nobody Noticed
People talk a lot about "ESG" and "Net Zero" these days like they're new concepts. They aren't. At 4 Times Sq New York NY, the developers were experimenting with gas-fired absorption chillers and a high-performance "curtain wall" that kept the building insulated far better than anything else at the time.
They even put solar panels on the skin of the building.
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Think about that for a second. In the late 90s, the technology for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) was barely a thing. But there they were, on the 37th through 43rd floors, soaking up the sun to help power the building. It wasn't enough to run the whole place—not even close—but it was a proof of concept. It showed the world that a skyscraper could be more than just a giant glass heater in the summer and a freezer in the winter.
The air quality was another obsession for the Durst family. They installed a sophisticated filtration system that provided about 50% more fresh air than what the building code required at the time. If you’ve ever spent eight hours in a stuffy Manhattan office, you know why that actually matters. It’s the difference between a productive afternoon and a massive headache by 3:00 PM.
The Post-Condé Nast Identity Crisis
When Condé Nast left for One World Trade Center in 2014, people thought the building might lose its soul. For decades, the "Condé Nast Cafeteria"—designed by the legendary Frank Gehry—was the place to be seen. It was the height of fashion-world elitism. If you were eating lunch there, you had arrived.
When they left, it created a massive void.
But 4 Times Sq New York NY didn't just sit there and rot. The Durst Organization poured over $150 million into a massive renovation. They knew they had to compete with the shiny new towers at Hudson Yards. They turned that famous Frank Gehry cafeteria into "Chashama," a space for artists, and eventually into a massive amenity floor called Well& by Durst.
It’s a different vibe now.
It’s more tech-focused, more flexible. Nasdaq moved their global headquarters here, taking over a huge chunk of space and bringing that massive circular LED sign on the outside of the building into their ecosystem. When you see the stock market updates on the news, and they show that giant screen in Times Square? That's the building. That's the heartbeat of the financial markets, right there on the corner of 43rd.
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Current Notable Tenants
- Nasdaq: The anchor tenant that defines the building's current public face.
- BMO Capital Markets: Taking up multiple floors and solidifying the building's status as a financial hub.
- SS&C Technologies: A major player in financial software.
- Hunton Andrews Kurth: Keeping the tradition of high-end legal services in the building alive.
Why Location Is Still Everything (Even with Remote Work)
You hear it all the time: "Office is dead."
Yeah, okay. Go tell that to the people trying to navigate the sidewalk in front of 4 Times Sq New York NY. The reality is that this specific spot—the intersection of Broadway and 42nd—is one of the most accessible places on earth. You’ve got the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S trains right underneath you. You’ve got the Port Authority Bus Terminal a block away. You’ve got Grand Central a short walk or a one-stop shuttle ride away.
For a law firm or a global exchange like Nasdaq, that connectivity is irreplaceable. You can't replicate that in a suburban office park.
The building also benefits from its proximity to the "new" Times Square. It’s cleaner, safer (mostly), and packed with high-end dining and retail that didn't exist twenty years ago. You’ve got the Knickerbocker Hotel right across the street and some of the best steakhouse options in the city within a three-block radius.
The Market Realities of 2026
Let’s be real for a minute. The Manhattan office market is in a weird place. There’s a "flight to quality" happening. Companies don't want old, dingy Class B space. They want buildings that make employees want to come back to the office.
4 Times Sq New York NY occupies this interesting middle ground. It’s not a brand-new glass needle like One Vanderbilt, but it’s far superior to the aging 1960s blocks on Third Avenue. Because of the constant upgrades to the HVAC systems and the addition of the 45,000-square-foot amenity floor, it holds its value.
The rents here aren't cheap. You’re looking at triple digits per square foot for the high floors with views of the park and the Hudson. But compared to the $200+ per square foot being asked at the very top of the market, it’s actually a "value" play for blue-chip firms that need a prestigious address without completely blowing their budget.
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What You Should Know If You're Visiting or Job Hunting
If you have a meeting at 4 Times Sq New York NY, don't just show up and expect to wander in. Security is tight. It’s a LEED Platinum-certified building with state-of-the-art entry systems.
- The Entrance: Use the main entrance on Broadway. It’s impressive, but it can be overwhelming with the crowds outside. Give yourself an extra ten minutes just to navigate the tourists.
- The Views: If you’re lucky enough to get a meeting on the upper floors, look north. The view of Central Park is one of the best "secret" views in the city because it’s framed perfectly by the other towers.
- The Vibe: It’s fast-paced. This isn't a "tech campus" where people are riding scooters through the halls. It’s a suit-and-tie (or at least "business casual") environment.
Actionable Insights for Navigating the Area
If you're dealing with 4 Times Sq New York NY—whether as a professional, a potential tenant, or just a curious New Yorker—here is how you actually handle this slice of the city.
1. Master the Subway Secrets
Don't use the main 42nd St entrance on Broadway during rush hour. It's a nightmare. Instead, use the entrances further west on 43rd or 41st street to access the same station complex. You'll save yourself from the "slow walker" trap that plagues the main intersection.
2. Evaluate the "Green" Credentials
If you are a business owner looking for space, don't just take the "green" label at face value. Ask for the specific Energy Star ratings and the current LEED recertification documents. 4 Times Square is a leader here, but in 2026, the city's Local Law 97 is hitting buildings hard with fines if they don't meet strict carbon emissions limits. This building is ahead of the curve, which means less risk of "pass-through" costs for tenants.
3. Use the Amenity Floor
If you're an employee in the building, use the Well& space. Many people forget it's there. It’s one of the best rooftop/terrace setups in Midtown, and it’s a genuine escape from the insanity of the street level.
4. Timing Your Arrival
The Broadway corridor is a different beast at 8:00 AM versus 10:00 AM. If you have a high-stakes meeting, arrive in the area early and grab a coffee at one of the spots on 6th Avenue (a block away) where it's slightly quieter, then walk over. Trying to compose yourself while dodging a "Despicable Me" character right outside your office door is not the way to start a presentation.
5. Watching the Markets
If you're a finance nerd, the Nasdaq MarketSite at the base of the building is actually worth a look. They often do live broadcasts. It’s one of the few places where you can see the literal intersection of media, technology, and capital in a physical format.
The story of this building isn't over. It started as a bold bet on a dirty corner, became the fashion capital of the world, and has now transitioned into a high-tech financial hub. It’s a testament to the fact that in New York, you don't have to be the newest kid on the block to be the most important one. 4 Times Square is proof that if you build something with a bit of foresight—and a lot of glass—you can stay relevant forever.