731 Lexington Avenue - A Midtown Landmark
When you think of New York City's busy streets, particularly in Midtown, there are some buildings that just, you know, stand out. One of these, arguably, is the rather striking structure found at 731 Lexington Avenue. This spot in the city, a place of constant motion and bright lights, holds a building that has become a true fixture, a recognizable part of the urban view for many years now. It's a place that, in some respects, really captures a certain kind of city energy.
This particular address, 731 Lexington Avenue, isn't just any tall structure; it's a significant hub, especially for those involved in, say, global information and media. It's a location that, you might say, buzzes with activity from early morning until late at night, drawing in people for all sorts of reasons. From its impressive height to the various things you can find inside, it plays a pretty big part in the daily rhythm of this part of town, offering a mix of work and leisure. It truly is, more or less, a central point for many.
So, if you've ever walked through Midtown East, perhaps on your way to do some shopping or just taking in the sights, you've probably, you know, seen this place. It’s a building that, basically, adds a lot to the character of the neighborhood, sitting right there in a spot that’s quite easy to get to. It’s a place that, you know, has a story, and it offers quite a bit to those who visit or work within its walls, making it a key piece of the city's architectural fabric.
Table of Contents
- What Makes 731 Lexington Avenue Stand Out?
- A Look at the Design of 731 Lexington Avenue
- Who Calls 731 Lexington Avenue Home?
- What Kind of Experience Can You Find at 731 Lexington Avenue?
- The Surrounding Area Around 731 Lexington Avenue
- How Does 731 Lexington Avenue Measure Up in Green Efforts?
- The Business Side of 731 Lexington Avenue
- What Are the Future Plans for 731 Lexington Avenue?
What Makes 731 Lexington Avenue Stand Out?
You might wonder, you know, what gives this particular building its special place in the city's lineup. Well, for starters, it's pretty well-known for being the main place of operations for a very big media company, Bloomberg L.P. That alone, basically, tells you a lot about the kind of activity that goes on inside. It's a spot where, apparently, a lot of important information gets shared and ideas come to life, making it a very active place from, say, morning until evening. It's quite a hub, you know, for those sorts of things.
Beyond its main tenant, this building, which some folks also call One Beacon Court, has received some pretty good marks for its design and how it operates. It's been given a Fitwel 3 Star rating, which is, you know, a very high honor from the Center for Active Design. This means it's considered to be a place that really thinks about the well-being of the people who spend time there. So, it's not just a big building; it's one that, in a way, tries to be good for you, too, which is something you don't always hear about with large office spaces.
And then there's the sheer size of the place. The company that calls it home, Bloomberg L.P., actually occupies all of the office space, which is, you know, a considerable amount. We're talking about nearly a million square feet of space, to be precise, about 946,815 square feet, or 87,962 square meters. That's a lot of room, you know, for desks, meeting areas, and all the various departments that make a large company run. It’s a massive footprint, basically, right there in the heart of Midtown, showcasing a significant presence in the city's commercial life.
A Look at the Design of 731 Lexington Avenue
So, you know, when you see the building at 731 Lexington Avenue, you might notice it has a rather distinct look. It's a contemporary skyscraper, meaning it has a style that feels very much of our time, not like the older, more ornate buildings you might find elsewhere in New York. The design work for this structure happened between 1998 and 2001, and it was the creation of César Pelli & Associates, a firm that, basically, knows a lot about making big, impressive buildings. They worked with SLCE Architects, too, to bring this vision to life.
Construction on the building started in 2001 and wrapped up in 2004, which is when the Bloomberg Tower, as it's often called, first opened its doors. It's interesting to think about how much planning and effort goes into something like this, you know, taking several years from drawing board to actual completion. It's a pretty big undertaking, building something of this scale right in the middle of a busy city. It truly is, in a way, a testament to modern building practices and vision.
At the time it was finished, this building was, you know, quite a tall one. It stood as the 14th tallest building in New York City and the 42nd tallest in the entire United States. That's a pretty good achievement, you know, for a new structure joining the city's famous skyline. It really shows how much the architects and builders pushed the limits to create something that would stand out, literally, amongst the many other tall structures in the city. It was, arguably, a significant addition to the city's architectural story, adding another memorable shape to the view.
Who Calls 731 Lexington Avenue Home?
Well, as we've talked about, the main resident, you know, the big one, is Bloomberg L.P. They've made 731 Lexington Avenue their global headquarters, which means this is where a lot of their major operations happen. It's a place that, basically, hums with the energy of a very large and active company, filled with people working on all sorts of things related to news, data, and financial information. It’s a pretty central spot for them, clearly, and they've been there for quite some time now, really making the space their own.
But it's not just offices, you know. This building is a bit of a mix. Besides the main office spaces, it also has places to eat, shops, and even residential units. There are, apparently, about 105 homes within the building, which is quite interesting. So, people don't just work here; some actually live here, too, creating a kind of self-contained community. It's a place that, in some respects, really blends the lines between where people work and where they make their homes, which is a pretty unique feature for a skyscraper in a city like New York.
One of the restaurants that has found a spot here is called Hutong. It's a place that, you know, has become quite well-known for its food, particularly its Peking duck and dim sum. So, if you're looking for a good meal, you don't even have to leave the building, which is pretty convenient. This mix of uses, from big corporate offices to places for a nice dinner and even apartments, makes 731 Lexington Avenue a truly versatile and, you know, quite active place, always having something going on for different kinds of people.
What Kind of Experience Can You Find at 731 Lexington Avenue?
If you were to visit 731 Lexington Avenue, you'd find a place that, you know, tries to offer a good blend of comfort and a certain kind of quality. The residential side, known as One Beacon Court, is described as having both of these things, which suggests it’s a nice place to live. It’s not just about the space itself, but also about the amenities and the different floor plan options available, which, you know, means there's a bit of variety for people looking for a home here. It’s apparently a rather appealing place for city living.
For those who work there, particularly at Bloomberg, they've really put their own mark on the place. When they expanded into more space in 2011, they made sure to add what they call their "Bloomberg vibe" to it. This suggests they've personalized the interiors to reflect their company culture, making it a place that feels, you know, very much like them. It’s about creating an environment that, in a way, supports their specific way of working and interacting, which is a pretty common thing for big companies to do with their headquarters.
And then there's the dining experience, like at Hutong. It’s not just about getting a meal; it’s about having a certain kind of dining event. They're known for their critically acclaimed dishes, which means people who write about food have given them good reviews. So, you can expect a meal that’s, you know, more than just satisfying; it’s meant to be something special. This kind of quality in the retail and restaurant spaces really adds to the overall experience of being at 731 Lexington Avenue, making it a spot where you can, basically, find a lot of different things to enjoy.
The Surrounding Area Around 731 Lexington Avenue
The location of 731 Lexington Avenue is, you know, pretty much ideal for being in the middle of everything. It sits right in the Midtown East area of New York City, which is a very active and well-known part of Manhattan. This means it’s surrounded by all sorts of things that make city life what it is. You've got, for example, plenty of places to go and things to see, all within a short walk. It’s a spot that, basically, puts you right in the thick of things, which is pretty convenient for anyone.
For shopping, you're directly across the street from Bloomingdale's, which is, you know, a very famous department store. And if you like to walk, you're just a short distance from 5th Avenue shopping, which is known for its high-end stores. So, if you're in the mood for some retail therapy, this location has you pretty well covered. It's a place that, in a way, caters to those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a major shopping district, offering easy access to some of the city's most popular retail spots.
Beyond shopping, you're also quite close to some of New York's other famous spots. The Plaza Hotel is within walking distance, and so is Central Park, which is, you know, a huge green space in the middle of the city where people go to relax, exercise, or just enjoy nature. Getting around is easy, too, as you're just steps from the Lexington Ave/59th Street subway station. This means that, basically, the whole city is pretty much at your fingertips from 731 Lexington Avenue, making it a very connected place to be.
How Does 731 Lexington Avenue Measure Up in Green Efforts?
It's interesting to see how buildings, you know, are increasingly focusing on being more environmentally friendly. 731 Lexington Avenue has actually earned a LEED® certification at the Gold level for its building operations and maintenance. This is, you know, a pretty big deal because it means the building is run in a way that considers its impact on the environment. It's about how they manage things day-to-day, like energy use and waste, which is, basically, a sign of a commitment to being more sustainable.
The LEED certification, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a widely recognized standard for green buildings. Achieving the Gold level for existing building operations and maintenance shows that the people who manage 731 Lexington Avenue are, apparently, putting in a real effort to keep things running in an eco-conscious way. It’s not just about the initial design; it’s about the ongoing care and management, which, you know, makes a difference over time. It truly is, in a way, a continuous effort.
This commitment to green practices adds another layer to what makes 731 Lexington Avenue stand out. It’s not just a place for business or living; it’s also, you know, a building that tries to be responsible. This kind of certification is important for many reasons, including reducing the building's carbon footprint and, perhaps, even making it a healthier place for the people inside. So, it's a place that, basically, tries to do good while also being a major part of the city's landscape, showing that big buildings can, indeed, be more mindful of their surroundings.
The Business Side of 731 Lexington Avenue
From a business perspective, 731 Lexington Avenue is, you know, a pretty significant property. Bloomberg L.P., the main tenant, has shown a strong commitment to staying put by extending their lease for all the office space through to 2040. This kind of long-term agreement is, basically, a big vote of confidence in the building and its location. It means they plan to be there for a good long while, which is, you know, a very stable arrangement for the building's owner. It shows, in some respects, a belief in the property's continued value.
The building itself is owned by Alexander’s, a company that, you know, announced this long lease extension. And it's interesting to note that Vornado Realty Trust also has a stake in the property, owning about 32.4 percent of it. So, there are different parties involved in the ownership and management of this large commercial asset. This kind of shared ownership is, apparently, quite common for major properties in big cities, where the investment can be quite substantial, requiring multiple players to come together.
However, even with a strong tenant like Bloomberg committed for the long haul, the financial side of things can sometimes, you know, have its ups and downs. There was a $500 million loan connected to 731 Lexington Avenue that, actually, landed in special servicing recently. This happened despite Bloomberg's pledge to stay until 2040. This kind of situation shows that, basically, even very stable properties can face financial challenges, which is, you know, just part of the larger economic landscape that affects all sorts of properties, big and small.
What Are the Future Plans for 731 Lexington Avenue?
Given the long-term lease extension by Bloomberg L.P. through 2040, it's pretty clear that 731 Lexington Avenue will continue to be a very active and important commercial building for many years to come. This kind of commitment means that, you know, the building will likely remain a central hub for business activity in Midtown East. It's a sign that the current occupants are, basically, happy with their setup and see a long future there, which is, you know, good news for the building's stability and its place in the city's economy.
The building is classified as a Class A office building, which means it meets high standards for quality, location, and amenities. This classification, you know, tends to attract and keep major tenants. So, even as the city changes, 731 Lexington Avenue is well-positioned to remain a desirable place for companies looking for premium office space. It’s a place that, in a way, offers a certain level of professionalism and convenience that many businesses look for, making it a reliable choice for long-term operations.
And with its mix of retail, restaurants like Hutong, and residential units, 731 Lexington Avenue is, you know, likely to keep offering a varied experience for people. Whether it's for work, a meal out, or a place to call home, the building provides a lot of different options right there in a very accessible part of the city. So, you can expect it to continue being a lively and busy spot, adding to the daily rhythm of Midtown Manhattan for, basically, the foreseeable future. It truly is, in some respects, a multifaceted urban structure.
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