You’ve probably walked past it a thousand times if you spend any time in Lower Manhattan. Standing tall at the intersection of Spring Street and Sixth Avenue, 155 Avenue of the Americas isn't just another glass-and-steel box. It’s a massive, 15-story limestone and brick behemoth that basically anchors the transition between the high-end boutiques of Soho and the old-school industrial grit of Hudson Square.
People call it the One55 building now.
But honestly, the history here is way deeper than just a modern office renovation. Built back in 1929, right as the world was about to slide into the Great Depression, this structure started its life as a printing hub. That’s why the floors feel so solid when you walk through them—they were literally engineered to hold up massive, vibrating industrial printing presses that weighed tons. You can't just find that kind of structural integrity in a new build today.
The Architectural DNA of a Soho Icon
It was designed by George and Edward Blum. If you’re an architecture nerd, those names ring a bell because they were the kings of Art Deco terra cotta in New York. They didn't just want a functional warehouse; they wanted something that looked good from the street.
The building has these subtle setbacks as it climbs higher.
It’s classic New York.
When you look at the facade, you’ll notice the craftsmanship in the masonry that just doesn't happen anymore because labor is too expensive. We’re talking about roughly 420,000 square feet of prime real estate. It’s huge. It occupies a full block front. Most modern tech companies crave this kind of "loft-style" feel, but 155 Avenue of the Americas had it before it was cool. The high ceilings are a massive draw. You’re looking at 12 to 15 feet of vertical space, which makes even a cramped office feel like a cathedral.
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Why Tech and Creative Firms Flopped Here
For a long time, this was just another sturdy building in a neighborhood known for manufacturing. Then the 90s happened. Then the 2000s.
Suddenly, Hudson Square became the "it" spot for media.
The building underwent a massive transformation under the ownership of Trinity Church Wall Street and their partners like Norges Bank Investment Management and Hines. They didn't just slap a coat of paint on it. They overhauled the entire infrastructure. We’re talking about New York City WiredScore Gold certification. That’s a fancy way of saying the internet won’t go down when everyone in the building starts a Zoom call at the same time.
Digital agencies, fashion brands, and tech startups started piling in. Why? Because the floor plates are enormous. In most Midtown buildings, you’re lucky to get a few thousand square feet on one level without being interrupted by a forest of support columns. Here, a company can take 30,000 square feet on a single floor. It’s an open-concept dream.
What People Get Wrong About the Location
Some folks think Soho is just for tourists buying $200 t-shirts. They're wrong. 155 Avenue of the Americas sits in this sweet spot. It’s technically in the Hudson Square district, which is a Business Improvement District (BID) that has poured millions into making the area walkable.
You’ve got the C and E trains literally right outside the door at the Spring Street station.
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The 1 train is a block away.
Commuting here isn't the soul-crushing experience it is when you're trying to get to Grand Central. Plus, the proximity to the Holland Tunnel means if you're coming in from Jersey, you’re basically there as soon as you exit the tube.
The Interior Experience
Walking into the lobby today feels different than it did twenty years ago. It’s been modernized with a minimalist aesthetic that respects the industrial bones. It’s not "stuffy corporate." It’s "expensive creative."
The windows are another big selling point. Because the building sits on a wide avenue, the light is incredible. You don't have another skyscraper ten feet away blocking your sun. On the higher floors, you get these sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower. It’s the kind of view that makes a venture capital pitch feel a lot more convincing.
Real Talk on the Commercial Market
Is it cheap? No. Of course not. It’s Manhattan.
The asking rents in this corridor can hover anywhere from $70 to $90 per square foot depending on the floor and the build-out. That puts it in competition with some of the fancy glass towers in Hudson Yards. But the vibe is totally different. Companies like Medidata Solutions have called this building home because it fits a specific brand image—established but innovative.
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There’s also the "green" factor. 155 Avenue of the Americas has leaned hard into sustainability. It’s LEED Gold certified. In 2026, that matters more than ever. Not just for the planet, but for the bottom line of companies trying to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. The HVAC systems are high-efficiency, and the building management is aggressive about waste reduction.
Navigating the Neighborhood
If you're working at 155 Avenue of the Americas, your lunch options are borderline dangerous for your bank account. You're steps away from Raoul’s if you want a legendary burger and have two hours to kill. If you’re in a rush, there’s a dozen artisanal salad spots within a three-block radius.
The neighborhood has changed, though.
It used to be that after 6:00 PM, Hudson Square was a ghost town. Not anymore. With the influx of residential developments nearby, there’s actual life on the streets at night. It feels safer, busier, and more "lived in" than the sterile office parks of the past.
The Verdict on 155 Avenue of the Americas
This building is a survivor. It survived the decline of the printing industry, the transition of Soho into a retail mecca, and the total reimagining of the American office post-pandemic. It stays relevant because it offers something that can't be faked: scale and character.
It’s a anchor point for the neighborhood.
If you are looking for office space or just curious about the skyline, understand that 155 Ave of the Americas represents the "New York pivot." It’s an old dog that learned a lot of new tricks and managed to stay at the top of the pack.
Next Steps for Navigation and Access:
- Public Transit: Use the Spring St Station (C, E lines) located directly adjacent to the building entrance for the fastest access.
- Leasing Inquiries: Contact CBRE, who has historically managed the leasing for the property, to get current availability and "floor-by-floor" specs.
- Deliveries: Use the dedicated loading bays on the side streets to avoid the heavy traffic congestion common on Avenue of the Americas.
- Zoning Check: Verify the latest Hudson Square rezoning laws if you are looking to convert or perform major renovations, as the area has specific "Special Hudson Square District" regulations.