TAMI Trend Alert: Unique Is The New Black
Tech-inclined TAMI tenants are increasingly seeking out office space in one-of-a-kind, landmark buildings. It may seem paradoxical that these technologically sophisticated, forward-looking firms are gravitating toward stately, historic properties in droves.
But these buildings boast architectural details and ambiance new construction simply can't match. For visionary and visible companies looking to differentiate themselves, character is often of equal importance as convenience and cost.
636 Sixth Ave, at the nexus of New York's most appealing neighborhoods
One such haven old New York charm, 636 Sixth Ave (shown above), positioned at the nexus of Chelsea and Flatiron, still smacks of signature, classic Manhattan appeal with a renaissance revival facade, massive windows, exposed brick, and decorative cast iron columns.
It's one block south of the Limelight Marketplace (pictured below), another prime example of signature architecture repurposed for modern use. The Limelight, a Gothic Revival Church, has a long history of being repurposed to reflect New York's cultural climate, morphing into a legendary nightclub in the 1980s and then a bespoke marketplace. It is now home to the high-profile fitness group David Barton Gym's newest location.
Limelight Shops
636, a 19th Century six-story building at the nexus of Chelsea, Union Square and Flatiron, capitalizes on its location and unmatched foot traffic.
It offers commercial tenants 13k SF side-core floor plates and huge windows with soaring ceilings. Owned by Clarion Partners, the property is an ideal home for TAMI tenants looking to employ and retain a robust Millennial workforce.
Potential Interior Build-out at 636 6th, with exposed brick and 16' ceilings
Owners looking to attract TAMI tenants must ensure their buildings have the infrastructure to support the fast speeds internet and cloud-based computing depend on. 636 Sixth boasts a WiredScore Silver certification, which designates a high degree of connectivity throughout the building, solid service providers to choose from, and protection from outages.
It's all in the details: they don't make them like this anymore
Smart renovations can modernize the interior to accommodate tenants seeking flexible and attractive space, as the average employee/SF ratio has doubled in the last five years. At 636 Sixth, nearly 100 employees fit on one floor, with additional space for conference rooms, collaborative breakout areas and multi-purpose spaces, as well as a full pantry.
Clarion SVP Margaret Egan tells Bisnow "the most highly sought after neighborhoods in Manhattan have all retained much of their pre-war elegance, making them rare commodities. Assets with a sense of timelessness have this luxe-vintage appeal, which has been very much in vogue in the office sector since acquisition, and we expect that trend to continue."
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