Empire State of Mind
Since joining CJP five years ago, I've been asked a few dozen times by people what it’s like to work in the Empire State Building. My answer to this question has changed a great deal over the years. At first I found the throngs of tourists and the pushy observatory and Sky Ride salespeople on the street to be an annoyance. The small office suites, the dark hallways and the dilapidated facilities were additional annoyances associated with working in the ESB.
Fast forward from 2006 to 2011 and working in the ESB is a much different type of experience. The building has undergone a major revitalization project that has transformed the ESB. The beautiful architecture of the building has been restored, a renewed emphasis on tenant service has been put in place (with a concierge desk, friendly uniformed greeters and new retailers and shops on the ground level). Most important of all is the influx of quality tenants, representing a wide range of industries and geographies.
Over the summer, The Wall Street Journal pointed this out that the ESB is attracting a stream of global companies to one of the most recognized and revered office buildings in the world. The Journal reports that since 2006, the ESB has signed deals with 26 international tenants from 16 countries including five from China, four from Germany and two each from Turkey, Italy and Sweden. No longer are the tourists the major source of international influence in the building. The ESB has become a desired location for leading companies across the globe. While floors were once filled with a slew of tiny, run down office suites, today large companies are taking whole floors and creating beautiful, inspiring environments for their employees to work in.
It’s an exciting time to work in the ESB. Sure, the tourists during the summer time can be a hassle. But, for the first time since I started working in this building the pros far outweigh the cons. If you haven't been to the ESB in a while, come by and see for yourself. And, while you are here, come by and visit us to enjoy 360 degree views of the city and visit perhaps the tallest PR firm in NYC. 