Rent Office 650 First Avenue

History of 650 First Avenue, Manhattan, NYC

650 First Avenue is a historically significant building located at the northeast corner of First Avenue and East 37th Street in Manhattan's Murray Hill neighborhood. Originally constructed in 1904, it is part of the former Kips Bay Brewing Company complex, which was a major brewing operation in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Kips Bay Brewing Company, established in 1894 by Patrick Skelly and later managed by his son Hugh until 1943, operated here until the brewery's closure in 1947. The brewery's facilities included large brick buildings with distinctive copper-clad mansarded cupolas in the French Second Empire style. These buildings are among the rare surviving brewery structures in Manhattan from the era when brewing was a key industry in the city.

After the brewery ceased operations, 650 First Avenue and its neighboring building were converted into office spaces. Its large floors and proximity to medical institutions, particularly the nearby NYU Langone Medical Center, made it attractive for medical office use. For many years, the building housed internal medicine offices for NYU Langone Health.

In 2023, the building was acquired by Lalezarian Properties for $33.5 million, with plans to convert the existing office building into a residential property. Designed by Ismael Leyva Architects, the redevelopment involves an extensive interior overhaul and the addition of four new stories above the original structure, increasing the building's height to approximately 125 feet. The project will transform the 120-year-old commercial property into approximately 111 residential units, while preserving key architectural elements such as the prewar façade and some original bay windows. The new design features a glass curtain wall addition that contrasts with the historic masonry below, maintaining the building's unique character.

This redevelopment reflects a broader trend in Manhattan of converting older office buildings into residential spaces to address housing demands, while preserving the historical fabric of the city.

650 First Avenue is an 11-story mixed-use building undergoing office-to-residential conversion in Murray Hill, Manhattan. Originally constructed in 1904 as part of the Kips Bay Brewery complex, the 100,000-square-foot structure at the northeast corner of First Avenue and East 37th Street will contain 111 residential units upon completion.

The Lalezarian Properties-led project involves restoring the historic pre-war façade while adding four modern glass-clad floors with black mullions. Recent progress shows curtain wall installation underway for the 125-foot-tall expansion, which creates architectural contrast through rounded corners and smooth surfaces. The building last housed NYU Langone Health offices before its $33.5 million acquisition in April 2023.

Key details:

• Location: 650 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016
• Architect: Ismael Leyva Architects
• Height: 125 feet
• Completion Estimate: Second half of 2025
• Historic Features: Preserved ground-floor bay windows and original cupola within glass enclosure
• Transit: Near Grand Central Terminal (4/5/6/7/S trains and Metro-North)

650 First Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, is currently undergoing significant transformations as it converts from an office to a residential building. The building's immediate past life included amenities typical of an office space. However, specific residential amenities have not been disclosed as of yet.

The building features proximity to public transportation with nearby bus lines and subway stations, enhancing its accessibility.

Historically, it was part of a larger complex related to the Kips Bay Brewing Company and is now being reimagined with significant structural additions, including a rooftop expansion.

Notable office tenants at 650 First Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, include:

• Douek Victor MD
• Loren Wissner Greene, MD
• Dr. Irving Fish, MD
• Previously housed NYU Langone Health's Internal Medicine Offices

650 First Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, is conveniently located near various transportation options. The nearest subway station is Grand Central-42 St, which is just a 1-minute walk away and serves lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and S. The Grand Central Terminal also provides access to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad trains.

For bus transportation, the area is served by the M15, M15-SBS, M34-SBS, M42, and QM42 lines. Notable nearby bus stops include 1 Av/E 36 St, 1 Av/E 34 St, and E 41 St/1 Av.

The cross streets for this location are East 37th Street and 1st Avenue, placing it in the Murray Hill neighborhood. The building is part of the historic Kips Bay Brewery complex.