You’ve seen it. Even if you don’t know the address by heart, if you’ve walked through Midtown Manhattan, you have stared at the sheer, vertical presence of 1345 Sixth Avenue. It’s a beast. Formally known as the Burlington House, this skyscraper sits on a stretch of Avenue of the Americas that basically defines the "power suit" era of New York City architecture. But here’s the thing: while some 1960s buildings are showing their age like a bad haircut, 1345 Sixth Avenue is actually getting more relevant. It is a weird mix of old-school corporate muscle and high-end modern tech.
Fisher Brothers, the family that owns the place, has been dumping money into it. Like, serious money. We’re talking over $120 million in renovations recently. If you think a building is just a stack of cubicles, you haven't seen the new lobby or the "Ease Hospitality" floor.
The Architecture of 1345 Sixth Avenue is Grittier Than You Think
Emery Roth & Sons designed this thing back in 1969. If you know NYC real estate history, that name carries weight. They were the kings of the functional, massive office tower. It stands 50 stories tall. It’s got that classic dark glass and masonry look that screams "Fortune 500 headquarters."
But look closer.
The building occupies the entire block between 54th and 55th Streets. That is a massive footprint for Manhattan. Because it’s set back slightly from the sidewalk, it creates this sense of scale that makes the neighboring buildings look kinda cramped. Most people just walk past the plaza, but the plaza is actually the secret sauce. It’s wide. It’s open. In a city where every square inch is monetized, having that much breathing room at the base of a skyscraper is a luxury.
What’s Actually Happening Inside Those 50 Floors?
It isn't just empty desks and fluorescent lights. 1345 Sixth Avenue is a hub for some of the biggest financial players in the world. We’re talking about AllianceBernstein, First Republic Bank (now part of the JPMorgan Chase ecosystem), and Global Infrastructure Partners. When people talk about "Midtown Financials," this is the zip code they are picturing.
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The renovation by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) changed the vibe entirely. They swapped out the heavy, dated elements for a massive glass wall in the lobby. It’s transparent now. You can see the art from the street. They even put in a 134-foot-long digital art installation. Honestly, it feels less like a bank and more like a high-end gallery when you first walk in.
Then there’s the amenity space. They call it "@1345." It’s basically a 50,000-square-foot playground for adults who work too much. There’s a fitness center that’s better than your local gym, specialized meeting rooms, and even a terrace. You don't see many terraces in 1960s skyscrapers because, back then, people were supposed to stay at their desks until the sun went down. Not anymore.
Why Location Is the Only Reason This Building Wins
Sixth Avenue is a bit of a chameleon. To the south, you have the tourist chaos of Radio City and Rockefeller Center. To the north, you have the quiet, expensive serenity of Central Park. 1345 Sixth Avenue sits right in the sweet spot. You are a five-minute walk from the park, which is basically the best "break room" on the planet.
Transportation is a breeze, too. You have the F, M, B, D, and E trains all within a few blocks. If you’re a commuter from Westchester or Long Island coming into Grand Central or Penn Station, you’re looking at a manageable walk or a quick subway hop.
The neighborhood also houses some of the best power-lunch spots in the city. You’ve got The Modern over at MoMA nearby, and more coffee shops than any one human could visit in a lifetime. It’s a ecosystem built for efficiency.
The Reality of Renting Here
Look, 1345 Sixth Avenue is not cheap. It is Class A office space in the heart of the most expensive city in the US. Rent usually hovers in the high double digits or low triple digits per square foot, depending on which floor you’re on. The higher you go, the better the views of Central Park, and the more you pay.
Is it worth it?
If you are a boutique hedge fund or a law firm that needs to impress clients, yeah. The building has a 90%+ occupancy rate most years, which is insane given how much people have been talking about the "death of the office." Fisher Brothers proved that if you make the office look like a five-star hotel, people will actually show up.
Sustainability and the "Green" Factor
You wouldn’t expect a 1969 tower to be eco-friendly, but they’ve been retrofitting like crazy. It has LEED Gold certification. They’ve upgraded the HVAC systems and the lighting to be more efficient. It’s a significant move because New York is getting really strict with Local Law 97, which penalizes buildings with high carbon footprints. 1345 Sixth Avenue is staying ahead of the curve.
The building also uses smart technology to manage elevator traffic. It sounds boring until you’re trying to get to a 9:00 AM meeting and there are 2,000 other people trying to do the same thing. The "destination dispatch" system basically groups people together based on their floor, so you aren't stopping at every single level.
The Wrap-Up on 1345 Sixth Avenue
1345 Sixth Avenue isn't just a skyscraper; it's a survivor. It survived the 70s fiscal crisis, the 2008 crash, and the recent shift toward remote work. It stays relevant because it evolves.
If you’re looking to visit or do business here, remember that security is tight. You’re not just wandering in without an invite. But if you get the chance to head up to the higher floors, take a second to look north. The view of the park is one of the best "secret" views in the city.
Next Steps for Potential Tenants or Visitors:
- Check the Ease Hospitality Schedule: If your company is based here, use the app to book the "Ease" amenity spaces early—they fill up fast for mid-week events.
- Visit the Plaza: Take ten minutes to sit by the fountains on the 55th Street side. It’s one of the few places in Midtown where you can actually hear yourself think.
- Verify Security Protocol: If you’re visiting a firm like AllianceBernstein, ensure your ID matches the name on the digital guest pass exactly; the turnstiles here are notoriously sensitive to glitches.
- Explore the Concourse: Don't forget there is a whole world underground. The concourse levels connect you to nearby buildings and subways, which is a lifesaver during a New York winter.