RXR Acquires 49% Stake in 1211 Avenue of the Americas from Ivanhoé Cambridge
RXR, a fully integrated real estate company and one of the largest owners of commercial and residential properties in the New York region, announced today the closing of the acquisition of a 49% interest in 1211 Avenue of the Americas, one of the most recognizable and distinguished office buildings in New York City. The stake was acquired from Ivanhoé Cambridge, the global real estate group of CDPQ.
RXR and Ivanhoé Cambridge will continue the program to reposition the asset by investing over $300 million into the two million-square-foot property, launching a building modernization program designed to meet the demands of today's leading global companies. The transformation will feature a reimagined multi-tenant lobby and a revitalized plaza. Improvements will also include a new amenity center, conference rooms, a wellness center, and other enhancements.
With this transaction, RXR and Ivanhoé Cambridge are creating a new partnership where both companies will work on the repositioning of this iconic office property. As the new operator of the building, RXR will also elevate the tenant experience through its signature RXO program, bringing a dedicated hospitality team to curate a dynamic programming calendar, including lobby activations, educational workshops, and wellness initiatives.
The lease extension by FOX and News Corp signed in 2023 secures approximately 55% of the building's occupancy through 2042. However, the upcoming departure of a law firm in 2028 creates a rare opportunity in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in New York City: over 600,000 square feet of contiguous premium space.
The availability of this space represents a unique 'building within a building' offering in the coveted Rockefeller Center/Midtown submarket, where space is increasingly scarce as availability rates remain well below the average of Midtown Manhattan. The property's prominent location on Sixth Avenue, combined with its exceptional connectivity, positions it perfectly for companies seeking premium space.
"This transaction underscores our strong conviction in New York City's office market and its unparalleled resiliency. While some had written off New York City and declared the office era over, we never wavered in our belief in our hometown,” said Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of RXR. “By partnering with Ivanhoé Cambridge to transform this iconic tower into a workplace that meets the demands of today’s global companies, we're demonstrating that well-located, high-quality office buildings can thrive in a post-pandemic world. We're not just investing in a building – we're investing in the next chapter of New York City's growth and recovery,” said Rechler.
"We are thrilled to welcome RXR as our partner and operator at 1211 Avenue of the Americas, a landmark property Ivanhoé Cambridge has owned for over a decade,” said Rana Ghorayeb, Executive Vice-President and Head of Real Estate CDPQ/Ivanhoé Cambridge. "Through this partnership, we intend to leverage RXR’s expertise in New York’s real estate market and invest in transforming one of the city’s most iconic buildings. This initiative aligns with our strategy to redefine workplace offerings that cater to the evolving needs of top-tier tenants in the country’s most sought-after markets,” said Ghorayeb.
Strategic Capital Alliance and Newmark advised RXR on the transaction.
ABOUT RXR
Headquartered in New York, RXR is a fully integrated real estate company and one of the largest owners of commercial and residential properties in the New York region. RXR owns and manages over 30.5 million SF of commercial properties and over 9,800 multi-family units. RXR specializes in public-private partnerships and master developments, including the $4 billion development of Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport and a 1,100-acre, $3 billion mixed-use development in Raleigh, North Carolina. Additionally, RXR has a multi-billion credit platform that leverages its real estate expertise to originate and acquire commercial real estate loans. RXR’s geographical footprint includes the New York metropolitan region and many of the nation’s fastest-growing markets, including Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Raleigh, and Tampa.
ABOUT IVANHOÉ CAMBRIDGE
Ivanhoé Cambridge, the real estate portfolio of CDPQ, a global investment group with C$ 452 billion in assets, is built worldwide through strategic partnerships and market leading real estate funds. Ivanhoé Cambridge holds interests in more than 1,500 buildings, primarily in the logistics, residential, office and retail sectors. As of December 31, 2023, it held C$ 77 billion in gross real estate assets.
Ivanhoé Cambridge develops and invests in high-quality real estate properties, projects and companies globally. It does so responsibly and is committed to creating living spaces that foster the well-being of people and communities, while reducing their environmental footprint.
For more information: cdpq.com / ivanhoecambridge.com
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