International law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has renewed its lease at 51W52, also known as Black Rock, a 900,000-square-foot, 38-story building located at 51 West 52nd Street in Midtown, Manhattan. The firm will continue to occupy 144,312 square feet on floors 17 and 20 through 24 for the next 15 years. The building, originally designed by architect Eero Saarinen as the headquarters of CBS, recently underwent a $128 million renovation led by the building’s owner, HGI.
Photograph of new lobby at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
51W52 features column-free floor plates and floor-to-ceiling windows. Its recent renovation was designed by Vocon and MdeAS Architects, and focused on modernizing the property’s interior spaces while preserving the building’s architectural legacy. Upgrades included revamped lobbies, new elevators, and the addition of an amenity suite featuring a tenant lounge, fitness center, and private café in the building’s concourse.
Photograph of new amenity space at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
“51W52’s prime location in the heart of Midtown, rich architectural significance and thoughtful restoration present a highly desirable offering for today’s office workers,” said T. Richard Litton Jr., president at HGI.“Since completing the renovation in April, we’ve seen the new spaces activated and felt the excitement from both prospective and current tenants. Orrick’s lease renewal at 51W52 reflects the ongoing desire to work in trophy office buildings with thoughtful design and best-in-class amenities.”
Photograph of new fitness center at 51W52, by Colin Miller Photos
Nearby transit includes subway stations servicing the B, D, E, F, and M trains.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
With 53W53 nearby, this new naming fad needs to be retired now as the very similar names become too confusing. Block Rock isn’t great either given the similarity with evil BlackRock.
The building has been modernized, as for the name it probably doesn’t have much of an impact on the mind: Thanks.
“Black Rock”, a powerful, evocative name…part of my childhood, growing up in the City and working at 630 Fifth Ave, the International Building at Rock Center.
I’ve always loved the work of architect Eero Saarinen and this building is one of his best designs, IMHO.
Glad to know it is well kept with the recent renovations however, how can it be a Midtown East building but have a W.52nd Street address? I tell my out of town visitors the east side of Manhattan is determined by the side of 5th Avenue any place they intend to visit is on.
Yikes! So sorry. I tell my out of town visitors the east side of Manhattan is anything east of 5th Avenue.
Yikes! I meant to say I tell my out of town visitors the east side of Manhattan is anyplace east of 5th Avenue, period.