Historic NYC Industrial Building Transformed into New York Fashion Week Headquarters
The Starrett-Lehigh Building, a historic industrial building on the far West Side of New York City, will serve as the new headquarters for New York Fashion Week. Under the ownership of RXR, the building has undergone major infrastructure upgrades and attracted high-profile tenants in the fashion industry. The building will host runway shows by 70 designers and will provide space for support activities.
A Transformation for New York Fashion Week
The Starrett-Lehigh Building, a massive industrial building on the far West Side of New York City, will be the new headquarters for New York Fashion Week. The building, which dates back to 1931, is a symbol of the city's manufacturing and shipping era. Under the ownership of RXR, the building has undergone renovations and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the needs of the fashion industry. This move aims to consolidate all Fashion Week activities in one location.
The streamlined-style structure, located on Eleventh Avenue at West 26th Street, will be the venue for runway shows by 70 designers. This includes renowned names such as Bach Mai, Badgley Mischka, The Blonds, Libertine, Prabal Gurung, Son Jung Wan, and Pamella Roland. RXR, the managing director for the event, stated that the goal was to bring all of Fashion Week under one roof.
The Rise of Starrett-Lehigh
The Starrett-Lehigh Building has undergone a transformation in recent years, moving away from its industrial past to become a hub for fashion and design. RXR has played a significant role in elevating the building's image and attracting high-profile tenants. With major infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of thousands of new windows, the building now offers modern office and showroom facilities for fashion-related businesses.
Some of the notable tenants in the building include Ralph Lauren, Zimmermann, and Fashionphile. Ralph Lauren, as the largest tenant, recently renewed its lease for over 250,000 square feet of space. The building is also home to chef Marcus Samuelsson's Hav + Mar restaurant and the Olly Olly gourmet food hall and market. These establishments will also host events as part of New York Fashion Week.
A Historic Building with Modern Appeal
The Starrett-Lehigh Building holds a special significance for designer Bach Mai, who recalls his first experience in the iconic structure. Mai, a two-time nominee for the CFDE Emerging Designer Award, expressed his excitement about showcasing his work in the historic building where he once met Georgina Chapman of Marchesa. IMG, the organizer of New York Fashion Week, will rent 68,000 square feet on the 18th floor for the runway shows and 17,000 square feet on the 17th floor for support space. The building is already over 70% leased, with additional deals in progress.
The move to the Starrett-Lehigh Building marks a shift for New York Fashion Week, which was previously held at different locations such as Spring Studios, Lincoln Center, and Bryant Park. This consolidation of all Fashion Week activities in one building is expected to create a more convenient and immersive experience for designers, attendees, and industry professionals alike.
