International commercial law firm Vedder is relocating its New York City premises to the 1221 Avenue of the Americas office building. As owner Rockefeller Group announced, the partnership, which counts more than 400 lawyers and staff worldwide, has signed a long-term lease for a total area of around 49,000 square feet. Vedder will occupy the entire 34th floor of the prominent skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan.
The relocation of the New York office is scheduled for 2027. The firm is currently based at 1633 Broadway, just four blocks from its future home. Financial details regarding the rental rate were not disclosed by the parties. According to research by real estate services provider Colliers, the average asking office rent in Midtown Manhattan stood at $85.08 per square foot in the third quarter of 2026.
Established office location on Sixth Avenue
The 1221 Avenue of the Americas office building was developed in 1972 by Rockefeller Group in partnership with publisher McGraw-Hill. Situated on the west side of Sixth Avenue between 48th and 49th Streets, the office tower encompasses a total floor area of 2.6 million square feet. Prominent existing tenants in the building include media and entertainment group NBCUniversal as well as international law firm Mayer Brown.
Marisa Gadlin, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President at Rockefeller Group, stated upon signing that they were delighted to welcome Vedder to the building. She noted that the property has attracted leading global companies for many years thanks to its central location and ongoing commitment to quality. The firm is an excellent fit for the property and sustainably reinforces the skyscraper's tenant roster for years to come.
Advisers involved in the lease agreement
On the landlord side, the transaction was managed by Marisa Gadlin for Rockefeller Group in collaboration with a team from Cushman & Wakefield, which included Robert Lowe, Paige Engeldrum, Dan Organ and Pierce Hance. Law firm Vedder was represented during negotiations and the search for space by Savills advisers David Goldstein, Joseph Learner and Scott Weiss.
