The Empire State Building has come a long way since the days when King Kong’s favorite skyscraper was mostly home to shoe wholesalers and dentists’ offices. The great landmark evolved into a mecca for finance and media after Empire State Realty Trust took it over in 2006 and launched a $550 million capital improvement program.
The newest tenant, global management consulting firm Kearney, just claimed the highest two office floors — 78 and 79, where it signed for 27,866 square feet. (Higher floors are broadcasting facilities and the Observatory.)
Kearney is moving from Seven Times Square. The asking rent was $88 per square foot. Empire State was 93% leased as of ESRT’s first-quarter earnings supplement.
The landlord’s executive vice-president for real estate, Thomas P. Durels, said in an understatement, “Kearney employees will enjoy breathtaking views.” They’ll also have access to 65,000 square feet of new amenities that include a fitness center, seven dining options, a lounge, basketball and pickleball courts and golf simulators.