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Rent/Lease Apartment 31 Union Sq W

Tenant Broker’s Perspective: Return-to-office mandates are driving up rental prices at 31 Union Sq W. This trend is projected to continue. Opportunities for subleases remain available at 31 Union Sq W and in the nearby Union Square neighborhood.

Why Optimal Spaces –
Tenant Broker

✓
  • No fee for clients renting space.
  • We work for YOU, not the landlord.
  • Save 15–20% on your business costs.
  • Save 100–200 hours of research.
  • Access to all available spaces.
  • Specialized real estate expertise.

Alone or with other broker

✕
  • Miss deals and hard-to-find spaces.
  • Potential conflict of interest (often represent landlords).
  • Only 10% of available spaces are online.
  • Lack of specialized expertise.
  • May not get the best terms or uncover hidden costs.
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Tenant Representation: Optimal Spaces acts exclusively as a "Tenant Broker," only representing tenants, never landlords.
⚖️
Unbiased Service: Avoiding conflicts of interest, they provide impartial service, showing a wider range of properties and negotiating the best price.
🗂️
Comprehensive Process: Agents guide clients end-to-end, offering market surveys, floor plans, pricing expectations, and industry contacts.
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Cost Savings: They negotiate rental price and identify/abate "hidden costs."
1. The Crucial Distinction: Whose Side Are They On?
2. It Almost Always Costs You Nothing
3. Access to “Hidden” Inventory
4. Negotiating Beyond Base Rent
5. Time Savings & Process Management
6. Mitigating Risk (the “Gotchas”)

31 Union Sq W Property Overview

Building Address: 31 Union Sq W, New York NY 10003
Building Name: Chase Manhattan Bank Building
Zip Code:10003
Neighborhood:Union Square
Borough:Manhattan
Stories:0
Year Built:1902
Building Class:B

The Bank of the Metropolis building at 31 Union Square West, constructed between 1902-1903 by architect Bruce Price, stands as a 16-story Renaissance Revival skyscraper with Beaux-Arts elements. Originally built for the Bank of the Metropolis (1871-1918), its tripartite facade featured a granite Ionic-columned entrance and was briefly among the world's tallest buildings upon completion.

Key institutions including Tiffany & Co., Steinway & Sons, and Constable & Sloane populated its early board. After merging with Bank of Manhattan (later Chase Manhattan), the building hosted offices, Parsons School of Design dorms, and currently houses Blue Water Grill at street level. Designated a NYC Landmark in 1988 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, the structure pioneered early skyscraper design with rapid elevators and subway adjacency noted upon opening.

31 Union Square West, Manhattan, NYC, also known as the Bank of the Metropolis, is a historic building located in the Flatiron District. It was built from 1902 to 1903 and designed by Bruce Price. The building was designated a landmark in 1988 and features an exquisite marble lobby. Originally constructed as a bank, it has been converted into residential luxury lofts. The building offers 76 units over 16 stories and provides amenities such as a doorman and central laundry room.


Bank of the Metropolis Amenities

  • 24-hour attended lobby
  • Doorman
  • Elevator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Live-in superintendent

Historic 1902 landmark building featuring marble lobby, converted residences with high ceilings, and prime Union Square location steps from subways and farmers markets.


31 Union Square West, Manhattan, NYC, is the historic Bank of the Metropolis building, constructed in 1903. While primarily residential, it hosts luxury apartments in a prime location near Union Square. The building features 76 rental units across 16 floors, with amenities including a doorman, central laundry, and a live-in super. Pet-friendly and well-connected to several subway lines, it offers a unique living experience in the heart of Flatiron/Union Square.


ProviderPriceMax SpeedType
Spectrum$30/mo1 GbpsCable/Fiber
Optimum$40/mo8 GbpsCable/Fiber
Verizon$49.99/mo2.3 Gbps5G/Fiber
Xfinity$30/mo2 GbpsCable
Viasat$79.99/mo30 MbpsSatellite
HughesNet$49.99/mo100 MbpsSatellite
Starry$30/mo1 GbpsFixed Wireless
Starlink$80/mo220 MbpsSatellite

Transportation & Cross Streets

Cross Streets: East 15th St and East 16th St near Union Square West

Nearest Subway Stations

  • 14 St-Union Sq (4/5/6/L/N/Q) – 2-4 min walk
  • 14 St/6 Av (F/M/L) – 8 min walk

Bus Routes

  • M1, M2, M3, M7, M14A-SBS, M14D-SBS – stops within 1-5 min walk
  • BM2, BM3 – nearby routes

Main Bus Stops

  • Union Sq East/E 15 St (2 min walk)
  • E 14 St/University Pl (4 min walk)
  • Broadway/E 13 St (4 min walk)

Train Access

  • PATH trains to NJ – nearby connections
Retail Tenants Rented / Leased 31 Union Sq W
  • Blue Water Grill leased 11,700 SF
Nearby Office Tenants Leased
  • Myriad Supply Company leased 3,000 SF at 10 West 18th St
  • Discovery Communications leased 362,000 SF at 230 Park Avenue South
  • MasterCard leased 216,456 SF at 150 Fifth Ave
  • New School leased 212,810 SF at 79 Fifth Ave
  • WeWork leased 177,000 SF at 18 West 18th Street
  • Benjamin N. Cardozo Sch… leased 156,668 SF at 55 Fifth Ave
  • New York University leased 125,000 SF at 105 East 17th Street
  • WeWork leased 100,000 SF at 35 East 21st Street
  • Compass leased 81,410 SF at 110 Fifth Ave
  • Seatgeek leased 72,800 SF at 902 Broadway
Nearby Retail Tenants Leased
  • New Balance leased 6,595 SF at 150 Fifth Ave
  • Sephora leased 6,300 SF at 200 Park Ave S
  • Free People leased 6,000 SF at 79 Fifth Ave
  • Theory leased 5,500 SF at 139 Fifth Ave
  • Ricky's Union Square leased 5,200 SF at 7 East 14th Street
  • Kellogg's NYC leased 5,000 SF at 31 East 17th Street
  • Pret A Manger leased 4,300 SF at 821 Broadway
  • Bonobos Guideshop leased 4,000 SF at 95 Fifth Ave
  • Mexican Hospitality Operator LLC leased 3,700 SF at 35 East 21st St
  • Damien Scoditti leased 3,500 SF at 920 Broadway

Brightwater Fund LLC Testimonial

Brightwater Fund LLC testimonial Dear Mr. Sunderland: Thank you for the outstanding service you gave to us as we searched for office space. Through your efforts, you found us a location and facility that is virtually an exact fit for our needs. You helped us with the lease negotiations and were able to procure the space at a very attractive price. In short, you got us a great deal! You went above and beyond the call of duty in working with us until we moved in. You were always accessible and prepared to help us in every way. We would highly recommend you to our other friends and colleagues in their search for best available/best fitting space for their needs. Very truly yours, Donald Krueger Chief Financial Officer.