Semafor Leases New Office Space in SoHo
The media firm is moving into a 12,000-square-foot office at 495 Broadway, just four blocks north of its current location.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial
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Media company Semafor is relocating its New York City headquarters four blocks north to a new 12,000-square-foot office at 495 Broadway in SoHo. The move transitions the company to a historic eight-story building completed in 1893.
Why it matters
This lease highlights the ongoing demand for office space within SoHo's historic commercial district. By securing a space featuring 12- to 15-foot ceilings, the firm joins a building current home to retail and business tenants like Proenza Schouler and Lumora Spa.
The new lease covers 12,000 square feet at 495 Broadway, an eight-story structure built in 1893. The transaction was facilitated by Okada & Company and JLL, with the office space featuring signature 12- to 15-foot ceilings.
The players
Semafor
A news media organization transitioning its primary New York City office space.
WB Property Group
A real estate owner and manager responsible for the commercial building at 495 Broadway.
Okada & Company
A commercial real estate firm that represented the tenant in the lease agreement.
JLL
A global commercial real estate services company that represented the landlord in the transaction.
The details
The transaction marks a move for the tenant from their current location at 394 Broadway to a larger footprint just four blocks north. The building is owned by WB Property Group and houses a mix of commercial entities including The News and luxury brand Proenza Schouler. The space provides significant ceiling height common to the neighborhood's historic industrial architecture.
Timeline
1893: Completion of the 495 Broadway building.
The Home Front
This move reflects a broader flight-to-quality trend in Manhattan where businesses prioritize historic commercial buildings with unique architecture. It highlights how office leasing remains a vital indicator of local business density in districts like SoHo.
Local residents and business neighbors should anticipate increased activity around the 495 Broadway entrance as build-outs progress. For those following commercial property values in SoHo, this lease sets a new benchmark for asking rents in the immediate vicinity.
The takeaway
Commercial leasing activity in historic neighborhoods continues to shape the local street-level atmosphere in SoHo. Residents may note new branding or exterior updates as the media tenant prepares to move into the Broadway building.
Further reading
For more on business developments, see New York City Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Commercial Observer.
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