Sixth Avenue Tower Hits 98% Leased After Deal
Vedder's 49,000-square-foot lease fills the 34th floor of the former McGraw-Hill building at 1221 Sixth Avenue.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Commercial
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Vedder has signed a long-term lease for 49,000 square feet covering the entire 34th floor of 1221 Sixth Avenue, the former McGraw-Hill building, and will move there from 1633 Broadway in 2027.
Why it matters
The deal pushes the 2.6 million square-foot building to 98% leased, a sign of renewed demand for Manhattan office space that matters to commercial real estate owners, brokers, and the New Yorkers whose neighborhoods these tenants shape. For the local market, a nearly full tower signals stable commercial activity around Sixth Avenue.
Vedder's 49,000 square-foot lease covers the full 34th floor of 1221 Sixth Avenue, and the building is 98% leased after the deal. NBC Universal also renewed its lease on 200,000 square feet at the same building earlier this year.
The players
Vedder
A tenant that is leaving 1633 Broadway for a full floor at 1221 Sixth Avenue.
Rockefeller Group
The landlord of 1221 Sixth Avenue, which is now seeking retail tenants for its sunken plaza.
NBC Universal
A media company that renewed its lease on 200,000 square feet at the building earlier this year.
The details
Savills represented Vedder in the lease, while a Cushman & Wakefield team led by Robert Lowe represented the landlord, Rockefeller Group. Rockefeller Group is now pursuing tenants for the building's sunken retail plaza, and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse has operated in the building for 20 years.
Timeline
Earlier this year: NBC Universal renewed its lease on 200,000 square feet at 1221 Sixth Avenue.
2027: Vedder moves from 1633 Broadway to 1221 Sixth Avenue.
The Home Front
Leasing the former McGraw-Hill tower to 98% occupancy reflects renewed tenant demand in Manhattan's office market after a period of vacancy concern. The deal sits alongside NBC Universal's renewal at the same building, indicating that large anchor tenants are staying put.
If you own or lease commercial space in Manhattan, the 98% occupancy here is a useful benchmark for nearby leasing activity. Anyone tracking a relocation should note that office moves like Vedder's typically take a year or more of lead time before the new space is occupied.
The takeaway
Full occupancy at a major Sixth Avenue tower is a signal that anchor tenants are committing to Manhattan office space for the long term. If you are evaluating commercial space, ask a licensed commercial broker for current comparable leases in your submarket.
Further reading
For more on the market this deal reflects, explore Commercial real estate coverage for New York City.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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