As we approach the end of 2024, we at ESRT reflect on our accomplishments and milestones in a year that has seen tremendous growth, innovation, and success. From tenant and broker events to new leases, awards, and executive promotions, we have plenty to celebrate.
See the highlights from 2024 below!
January
ESB Leasing Wins
On Jan. 8, ESRT announced that it would welcome Greater New York Mutual Insurance for a new full-floor, 52,116 square foot office space and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in a 2,758 square foot retail space at the base of the world-famous Empire State Building.
February
Onward and Upward
ESRT announced that Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer Christina Chiu was promoted to President. Additionally, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer Stephen V. Horn was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Accounting Officer.
Sol Signs OGCP; Hanover at 250
Sol de Janeiro USA – an affordable luxury skincare and beauty brand – signed a new 11-year office lease for 57,203 square feet at ESRT’s One Grand Central Place. Sol de Janeiro is a subsidiary of French beauty brand L’Occitane, a tenant at ESRT’s 111 W. 33rd Street.
Hanover Street Capital, a company that provides comprehensive services for Deutsche Bank’s commercial and multifamily real estate financing business, signed on for a 12,622 square foot space at 250 West 57th Street.
Burlington Expands
Burlington Stores, Inc. signed an expansion lease for an additional 67,865 square feet of office space across two full floors at 1400 Broadway. With this expansion, Burlington will occupy a total of 170,763 square feet within ESRT’s portfolio across five full floors. After an initial deal in 2010 for 35,182 square feet, Burlington has expanded with ESRT three times at 1400 Broadway for 135,581 additional square feet of space.
March
Still a Great Place
ESRT maintained its status as a Certified Great Place to Work in its second year of participation. The recognition is awarded to the top organizations based on rigorous methodology and validated employee feedback and experiences.
Sustained Excellence
On March 26, ESRT announced its achievement of the 2024 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the second consecutive year. The achievement highlights ESRT’s consistent ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year recognition for outstanding leadership in environmental and public health initiatives, as 100% of the company’s NYC commercial portfolio is ENERGY STAR certified.
Another First
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) – the global authority on healthy buildings, organizations and communities – announced that ESRT was among the first commercial office and multifamily portfolios in the U.S. to achieve the WELL Equity Rating through the IWBI’s WELL at scale pathway. Additionally, ESRT received the 2023 IWBI Health-Safety Leadership Award for prioritization of occupant health and well-being through industry-leading indoor environmental quality measures and achievement of the WELL Health-Safety Rating across 100% of the portfolio in each year of participation since 2020.
April
Sustainability 2023
ESRT published its annual Sustainability Report that highlights the company’s continued, proven leadership in environmental sustainability with exceptional achievements, targets, and progress against goals for emissions and energy reduction, water, waste, and indoor environmental quality as well as social and governance execution.
May
Iconic Relocation
ESRT announced that it signed a new, long-term lease with Pontera Solutions, Inc. for a 40,679 square foot space at the Empire State Building. Pontera – a fintech company that specializes in software for financial advisors to manage retirement accounts – will relocate from their current 10,539 square foot space at ESRT’s 111 W. 33rd Street.
June
Colleague Celebration
On June 6, ESRT hosted colleagues at the 230 Fifth Rooftop for its annual Summer Appreciation Celebration to thank all ESRT employees for their hard work and dedication.
On Top of the World
Tripadvisor announced that the Empire State Building Observatory was the #1 Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, and #1 Attraction in the U.S. for the third consecutive year! Guest reviews said they were wowed by the authenticity of the “World’s Most Famous Building,” its interactive exhibits, and incredible views. Reviewers deem a visit to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience and one of the best things to do in New York City.
July
Eyes on Broadway
ESRT welcomed two new tenants to its Broadway Campus in late July. The William Carter Company and Equativ signed full floor office leases for a total of 49,095 square feet at 1350 Broadway.
Welcome to Williamsburg
ESRT announced that it would expand its high-end retail portfolio to the bustling North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
August
A Bite Better
Ghirardelli Chocolate’s first-ever New York store opened at the base of the Empire State Building on Aug. 6. To honor the occasion, the “World’s Most Famous Building” hosted singer-songwriter and chocolate lover Mary J. Blige to light the building in navy blue and gold and cut the store’s opening ribbon.
September
Top Honors
ESRT took home major wins at the BOMA New York Pinnacle Awards in September, which included Tony Malkin’s win of the Henry J. Muller Award. The prestigious recognition honors individuals, institutions, and companies who have substantially improved or had a major impact upon the New York skyline.
October
The Climb
More than 650 runners raced up the 1,567 stairs in the 46th annual Empire State Building Run-Up on Oct. 9. To celebrate, ESRT rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange earlier that day.
Retail Run
ESRT announced that it would welcome four new tenants to its impressive retail roster with leases signed by Alidoro at the Empire State Building, Wells Fargo and Dave & Adams at 1350 Broadway, and Roppongi 37 at 501 Seventh Ave.
The Empire Lounge is Here!
ESB announced the opening of the Empire Lounge – 10,000 square feet of new amenities on the building’s Club Level – in early October. The Lounge is available for everyday tenant use and features 17.5-foot vaulted ceilings, a variety of comfortable seating areas in tables, banquettes, and couches as well as phone booths for private communication. The Lounge includes a basketball/pickleball court for the exclusive use of the ESB’s Fitness Center’s tenant members, and “ESRTees,” two golf simulators.
Chariot 20
The Empire State Building hosted an Album Release Party with Gavin DeGraw in the first-ever event at the building’s new Empire Lounge, in partnership with iHeartRadio. The singer answered fan questions and serenaded the crowd to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his hit album, “Chariot.”
Welcome, Bloomsbury and Hecker Fink
In late October, Bloomsbury Publishing, Inc. – leading independent publishing house with notable works which include the “Harry Potter” and “Crescent City” series – signed a new 24,209 square foot lease for office space at ESRT’s 1359 Broadway.
Shortly after, ESRT announced a full floor, 26,782 square foot expansion lease with law firm Hecker Fink for a total of 53,779 square feet at the iconic Empire State Building.
November
Women in Real Estate
ESRT hosted a special women’s happy hour event at the Empire Lounge, in partnership with Females in Real Estate. Attendees enjoyed custom cocktails, like the ESRTini and Blood Orange Brokerita, and received custom embroidered Stoney Clover pouches.
December
Out With a Bang
To cap off another successful year, ESRT hosted its company holiday party at Tacombi – located at the base of the world-famous Empire State Building.
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