Just south of Manhattan’s Union Square sits 836 Broadway, a designated historic landmark with a rich past. Designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch in 1876, it was built on the site of President Theodore Roosevelt’s great-great uncle James T. Roosevelt’s home. The store-and-loft building’s first tenant was Mitchell, Vance & Co. a manufacturer of lamps, clocks and ornamental metal. To breathe new life into the building for the modern era, ZG Capital Partners engaged Spectorgroup to create a distinctive and inspiring workplace destination for its prospective tenants. After a transformation of its lobby and three floors of prebuilt office suites, the historic building now showcases a sophisticated blend of past and present, marrying the elegance of New York’s architectural heritage with the dynamic demands of contemporary work culture.
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant neighborhood and its rich architectural history, the concept was tailored to attract ZG Capital Partner’s ideal office tenants in a high-end, creative area of Manhattan. The building’s original cast-iron facade and Néo-Grec detailing proved a jumping off point for the design inspiration. Obstructive louvers on the ground floor were removed, opening the façade and revitalizing the exterior to create a high-impact visual experience. The profile of the ornamental windows was cleverly integrated into the design as a repeating metal frame element, forming an illuminated archway visible from the street—creating a striking first impression.
Three fully renovated floors, boasting 13,600+ rentable square feet each, present airy, hospitality-inspired office spaces that stand in stark contrast to traditional pre-builds. The design celebrates materials intrinsic to New York and the original building. Neutral tones, natural wood, exposed brick, and curvilinear details infuse warmth into the space. Original iron columns, painted black, provide visual contrast, while the building’s preserved brickwork is highlighted along the south wall.
A central pavilion frames the pantry to create a communal hub. Custom millwork throughout creates pockets of tranquility, offering quiet and informal spaces for heads-down work or relaxation. The top floor is a double height space with an upper mezzanine level connected by a floating staircase with glass sides, all of which is illuminated beneath a large skylight. Linear lighting installed on a magnetic track system evokes an art gallery aesthetic while allowing future tenants to customize the tracks to suit their needs.
As a historic property that celebrates New York City’s distinct design heritage while offering prospective tenants a bright and modern workplace, 836 Broadway offers the best of both worlds.
