Luxury shouldn't stop when you go to work.
In efforts to keep up with the growing demand for high-end amenities and services in residential new developments across Manhattan, office buildings have begun to provide similar luxury environments for their workers.
When New York became home to an overwhelming number of technology startups, a large chunk of the city's office space was leased out to the new companies. These innovative companies created progressive work environments to match their business models, boasting open floor layouts, height-adjustable tables, colorful artwork on the walls, and in-office cafes and fully stocked bars, among many original office features.
With brand new offices comes the perk of designing the space from scratch -- an advantage old-timers seem to wish they now had. Two of Manhattan's most famous tourist attractions, the Empire State Building and 30 Rockefeller Plaza, have doubled as office buildings since their construction in the early 1930s. Of course updates to the buildings have been made over the years, but none that rival the freshness of startup offices and the amenities of residential new developments. However, that is all about to change.
Plans have recently been proposed for modern additions to the Empire State Building, which entail a white tablecloth restaurant aimed for employees and their clients, rather than tourists, and a fitness center with an additional suite exclusive to executives in the building. Similarly, Rockefeller Center will be updating its lobby with a modern twist on its original Art Deco style such as a 16 foot grand marble staircase and LED projection screens.
Updated buildings grant the older tenants amenity perks without redesigning their entire offices, while the new tenants can be housed in a building that matches their own originality. Perhaps the new building services will draw-in high end tenants, just as the luxury residential new developments popping up around the city have recently done. I will be keeping an eye out as the renovations go underway.