NYC’s tallest office floors available for lease in rare real estate opportunity
By Emily Carr, Senior Correspondent
One World Trade Center, the iconic centerpiece of Lower Manhattan’s skyline, has just unlocked a rare and unprecedented real estate opportunity—its two highest office floors are now available for lease for the first time.
Situated on the 89th and 90th floors and perched nearly 1,100 feet above the city, these office spaces offer unmatched panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the East River. The offering marks a milestone for the building and underscores a broader revival in the Manhattan commercial real estate market.
Prime space above the clouds
Totaling approximately 46,000 square feet, the newly available floors boast soaring 20-foot ceilings and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Once reserved for broadcast equipment and briefly intended as a Chinese business center that never materialized, the floors are now being pitched as the ultimate address for premium tenants.
The Durst Organization, co-developer of the tower along with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is asking up to $160 per square foot—matching top-tier rates typically reserved for Midtown Manhattan.
“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to secure office space at the top of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest commercial building,” said Jonathan “Jody” Durst, president of the Durst Organization. “We’re looking for visionary tenants who want to be a part of New York’s skyline.”
A strong signal for downtown’s resurgence
The announcement comes amid a resurgence in Manhattan’s leasing activity. According to data from CBRE, leasing in Manhattan jumped 46% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, pointing to a return of corporate confidence in physical workspaces.
One World Trade Center, which opened in 2014, already hosts prominent tenants including Condé Nast, Carta, and the General Services Administration. The building is widely celebrated for its security, sustainability (LEED Gold certified), and premium tenant amenities. These include a luxurious sky lobby, on-site dining by Michelin-star chefs, and exclusive event spaces.
Durst officials also highlight the building’s proximity to key transportation hubs, including the PATH train and Fulton Center, giving it unmatched connectivity.
A beacon for post-pandemic optimism
The opening of these uppermost floors also holds symbolic significance. One World Trade Center stands on the original site of the Twin Towers, destroyed in the September 11 attacks. Since its completion, it has become a powerful emblem of renewal.
Real estate experts see the leasing of the 89th and 90th floors as more than a business transaction—it’s a marker of Lower Manhattan’s evolution into a hub for finance, media, and tech.
“This is not just about square footage,” said Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City. “It’s about the continued transformation of downtown as a vibrant, multi-sector business district.”
Key facts about the One WTC lease offering:
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Floors available: 89th and 90th
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Total space: 46,000 square feet
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Ceiling height: 20 feet
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Features: Floor-to-ceiling glass, panoramic views, access to sky lobby
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Asking price: Up to $160/sq ft
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Leasing agent: The Durst Organization
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Available amenities: Gourmet dining, private lounges, top-tier security
Designed for the future
The two floors are fully customizable and can accommodate tech-forward infrastructure for financial firms, media conglomerates, or startups looking to elevate their brand presence.
Durst representatives are in advanced discussions with multiple interested parties, though no leases have yet been finalized.
With flexibility in design and leasing structure, the offering is seen as a prime fit for companies wanting a “statement” office—especially as hybrid work reshapes expectations around physical workspace quality.
Implications for the wider market
The high-profile availability aligns with broader trends in luxury office leasing. Despite persistent vacancy rates in some areas, trophy-class buildings are outperforming lower-grade stock, as tenants seek well-located, high-amenity environments.
“This proves again that quality real estate in New York always commands attention,” said Jordan Barowitz, vice president of public affairs at Durst. “Even in changing times, the best spaces attract the best tenants.”
A new era for Lower Manhattan
In recent years, Lower Manhattan has quietly transformed from a financial stronghold to a dynamic, diversified neighborhood. New schools, residential developments, and cultural institutions have made the area increasingly attractive for employers seeking vibrancy outside of Midtown.
With this latest move, One World Trade Center continues to redefine its role—not just as a commercial icon, but as a living, evolving part of the city’s economic landscape.
