Rent/Lease Office 520 W 20th St, New York, NY (Warehouse)

520 West 20th Street in Manhattan, NYC, is an adaptive reuse and extension of a historic 1914 warehouse located in Chelsea's renowned art district, just off the High Line. The building consists of an original four-story brick warehouse that has been carefully preserved and a dramatic cantilevered glass and steel overbuild that adds three modern stories, resulting in a seven-story, 85,000-square-foot office building completed in 2021 by Morris Adjmi Architects.

The design intent focused on maintaining the historic integrity of the original structure while introducing contemporary architectural elements to support modern work environments. The exterior of the warehouse was preserved exactly as found, including patches of discolored brick and faded advertisements, which serve as tangible reminders of the neighborhood's industrial past.

Inside, the warehouse retains its generous ceiling heights and original materials such as concrete, brick, and timber, which provide warmth and historic resonance to the office spaces. These elements are thoughtfully repeated in the new lobby, where board-formed concrete walls complement a custom reception desk and a large feature wall inspired by sculptor Carl Andre, made from repurposed railroad ties recalling the nearby High Line.

The new three-story addition appears to float above the old warehouse, supported by two innovative vertical cores inspired by the car elevators once anchoring the building’s east and west sides. These cores function as structural masts carrying vertical circulation and mechanical systems through both the historic and new structures.

This cantilevered overbuild creates a striking contrast, offering sleek, minimal, floor-to-ceiling glass office spaces that face west over the Hudson River and east toward the High Line and the Chelsea neighborhood, including views of the Empire State Building. The design had to overcome significant challenges due to fire code requirements, resulting in the installation of the nation’s largest two-hour-rated fire-resistive glass panels, custom manufactured to meet both safety and aesthetic demands.

The project exemplifies a sensitive blending of past and present, bridging historic architecture with innovative, contemporary design, and stands as a testament to Chelsea's evolving cultural landscape and the art district’s industrial heritage.

520 West 20th Street, located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, NYC, is an office building that incorporates a historic brick structure into its design. The property features a total of 85,000 to 112,000 square feet across seven stories, depending on the source. Originally built in 1914, it was renovated in recent years, notably with a cantilevered addition completed around 2020-2021.

The building blends its original industrial past with modern office spaces. The lower floors maintain historical elements such as exposed brick and high ceilings, while the upper floors offer contemporary glass and steel spaces with terraces providing panoramic views of the city.

Key amenities include 24-hour access, central heating and air conditioning, high ceilings, natural light, and balcony spaces. The location is near the High Line, a popular urban park, and benefits from excellent subway access.

520 W 20th St Building Amenities

• 24 Hour Access
• Controlled Access
• Metro/Subway Access
• Signage
• Kitchen
• 7,000 Square Foot Roof Terrace
• On-Site Bicycle Storage
• Central Heating
• High Ceilings
• Natural Light
• Shower Facilities
• Air Conditioning
• Wraparound Terraces

520 W 20th St in Manhattan, NYC is a seven-story, 100,000-square-foot office building located in the Chelsea neighborhood. The building has recently undergone a major renovation and expansion by Morris Adjmi Architects, incorporating a new glass and steel addition while preserving its industrial heritage.

One of the key tenants is David Zwirner Gallery, which leased 36,000 square feet across the second and third floors for ten years. This space serves as the headquarters for the gallery. Additionally, other notable tenants include David Kordansky Gallery and Kurimanzutto, both prominent art galleries. These tenants reflect the building's attraction to gallery and enterprise commercial users.

The building offers premium office suites, including duplex penthouse offices with designer finishes and communal amenities. It features a landscaped roof terrace with sweeping views of the High Line and surrounding areas, enhancing the tenant experience with significant outdoor space.

Internet Providers:

• Verizon Fios: fiber-optic, up to 2 Gbps
• Astound Broadband (RCN): cable and fiber, up to 1.5 Gbps
• Spectrum: cable, up to 1 Gbps

520 W 20th St in Manhattan, NYC, is accessible through various public transportation options:

Bus: The nearest bus lines include M12 and M14A-SBS routes, with stops nearby such as 11 Av/W 18 St and 10 Av/W 19 St.

Subway: The closest subway stations are on the lines 1, 2, A, C, E, and 7 with stops at 14 St / 8 Av and 23 St.

Train: Accessible via train lines like BABYLON BRANCH and EMPIRE SERVICE, but not directly at the location.

Cross Streets: Located near the intersection of West 20th Street and 10th Avenue, in close proximity to the High Line.