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5 Shocking Ways 605 Third Avenue Is Redefining Midtown East’s Office Landscape

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The iconic 44-story tower at 605 Third Avenue in New York, NY, is not just a fixture of the Midtown East skyline; it is a live case study in how legacy Class A office buildings are successfully adapting to the post-pandemic corporate world. As of late December 2025, the building continues to anchor a high-profile stretch of Third Avenue, drawing major financial and media entities through aggressive capital improvements and strategic leasing that solidify its reputation as a premier business address in Manhattan.

Positioned strategically near both the United Nations Headquarters and the newly revitalized Grand Central Terminal, the 1.1 million-square-foot property, managed by Fisher Brothers, is experiencing a fresh wave of activity. This surge is driven by tenants seeking modern, amenity-rich spaces in the city's core, proving that quality and location remain paramount in the competitive New York commercial real estate market.

The 605 Third Avenue Building Profile & Key Entities

Located in the bustling Midtown East submarket, 605 Third Avenue stands as a testament to enduring commercial real estate value, constantly evolving to meet the demands of modern corporate tenants. Initially known as the Unisys Building, its history and recent upgrades are integral to its current high-status appeal.

  • Full Address: 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158.
  • Location: Situated between East 39th Street and East 40th Street in Manhattan.
  • Original Developer/Owner: Fisher Brothers (Built the tower).
  • Building Height/Stories: 44 stories.
  • Total Square Footage: Approximately 1.1 million square feet (SF).
  • Year Constructed: 1963.
  • Current Ownership/Management: Managed by Fisher Brothers, with J.P. Morgan Asset Management involved in ownership/investment.
  • Major Renovation: A $25 million capital improvement program was completed, including a new entrance and lobby in 2016.
  • Lobby Architect: Rockwell Group.
  • Key Tenants (Recent/Current): Broadridge Financial Solutions, Univision, Informa PLC, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

The Multi-Million Dollar Capital Improvement Program

The building's continued success in attracting top-tier tenants is largely due to a massive, proactive capital improvement program orchestrated by Fisher Brothers. Recognizing the need to transition the mid-century tower into a modern Class A office destination, the firm invested heavily in redesign and infrastructure.

1. The Rockwell Group Lobby Transformation

The most visible and impactful change was the complete redesign of the ground-floor space. The lobby, completed in 2016, was reimagined by the globally renowned architectural firm, Rockwell Group. The design focused on creating a grand, transparent, and welcoming entrance.

  • Glass Fin Facade: The new entrance features a super transparent, glass fin facade, utilizing customized stainless steel patch fittings to minimize visual obstructions and maximize natural light penetration.
  • Modern Aesthetics: The 15,400 SF lobby space was transformed from a traditional mid-century design into a sleek, contemporary environment, setting a high standard for tenant and visitor experience.
  • Amenity Focus: This renovation was essential to compete with the newest developments in the Midtown East submarket, offering tenants a premium, high-tech environment that supports modern business operations.

This commitment to upgrading the physical asset is a clear signal to the market that 605 Third Avenue is a long-term player, capable of sustaining high occupancy rates and premium rents in a challenging office environment.

2. Major Fintech and Media Firms Anchor the Tower

The true measure of the building’s revitalization is its ability to secure long-term leases from major corporate entities. In recent years, 605 Third Avenue has successfully landed two major tenants, demonstrating its appeal across different sectors: financial technology (Fintech) and international media/publishing.

Broadridge Financial Solutions: The Fintech Anchor

One of the most significant recent deals involved global fintech powerhouse Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. The company chose 605 Third Avenue for a major relocation, signing a substantial 15-year lease.

  • Lease Size: Broadridge committed to approximately 85,000 square feet, covering four full floors of the tower.
  • Strategic Move: This move highlights a key trend in the New York office market: companies are consolidating operations into fewer, higher-quality, amenity-rich buildings. The build-out of their space was managed by TPG Architecture.

Informa PLC: Consolidating International Presence

Further strengthening the tenant roster, Informa PLC, a major academic publishing, exhibitions, and events company, also consolidated its New York City offices at 605 Third Avenue.

  • Lease Details: Informa secured a 10-year lease for nearly 60,000 square feet.
  • Global Hub: Attracting a major international publisher like Informa reinforces the building's status as a global business hub, a reputation initially fostered by its proximity to the United Nations.

3. The Strategic Advantage of Proximity to Grand Central

The building's location is a critical factor in its leasing success, particularly its relationship with Grand Central Terminal. The completion of the terminal's East Side Access project, which provides direct LIRR service to Midtown East, has dramatically increased the area's connectivity and desirability.

For large tenants like Broadridge and Informa, easy access to major transit hubs—including the Metro-North Railroad, multiple subway lines, and the LIRR—is non-negotiable for attracting and retaining talent from across the tri-state area. 605 Third Avenue sits just blocks away from this massive transportation nexus, providing an undeniable competitive edge over other Midtown and Midtown South properties.

4. Navigating Corporate Downsizing and Market Shifts

While the building has seen major gains, it is also actively managing market shifts, proving its adaptability. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), a key entity in the United Nations system, has been a long-time tenant but is in the process of downsizing its footprint within the tower.

This situation is common in the contemporary office market, where organizations are optimizing space based on new hybrid work models. The ability of Fisher Brothers to quickly backfill the space vacated by UNFPA with new, large-scale tenants like Broadridge and Informa demonstrates the building's high liquidity and strong market demand, ensuring the tower maintains a high occupancy rate and stable rental income.

5. An Enduring Symbol of Midtown East’s Resilience

The story of 605 Third Avenue is a microcosm of the broader Midtown East office market. Despite challenges faced by older office stock, the tower's strategy of massive capital investment in design and infrastructure—specifically the $25 million renovation—has allowed it to compete directly with brand-new construction. This resilience is what makes the building an essential piece of the Manhattan commercial landscape.

By focusing on modern amenities, high-end design (courtesy of Rockwell Group), and prime connectivity, 605 Third Avenue has successfully transitioned from a 1963-era structure to a thoroughly modern, Class A office destination. Its diverse and prestigious tenant list—from fintech and media to international organizations—ensures its ongoing prominence for the foreseeable future.

5 Shocking Ways 605 Third Avenue is Redefining Midtown East’s Office Landscape
605 third avenue new york ny
605 third avenue new york ny

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