What are the differences between Trophy, Class A, Class B and Class C Office Buildings in New York City?

July 15, 2014

Lance Leighton

Founder – HedgeFundSpaces.com
New York State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Call 516-557-1160

Trophy vs. Class A vs. Class B vs. Class C Office Spaces

Differentiating office space classes is somewhat of an arbitrary and vague task in Manhattan.  However, here at HedgeFundSpaces.com, we are often asked by our hedge fund, investment bank, private equity and boutique financial clients “what are the differences between Trophy, Class A, Class B and Class C office buildings in New York City?”  Though it is not a simple question to answer, for comparison purposes New York City office buildings are grouped into four categories- Classes Trophy, A, B and C. Though the classification system is  subjective, a combination of factors including building standard finishes, mechanical system criteria, amenities, location, market perception, and base rent are used as the comparative guidelines.

Trophy Office Buildings in New York City

Trophy office buildings are the most prestigious towers within a certain submarket.  Assuming all of the characteristics of Class A office buildings, these towers command a premium due to cache, modernism, views, tenant roster and amenities.  They are the most expensive buildings per square foot and compete for the ultra-high-end tenants.  (Looking for Trophy office space in New York City?  Click here for our free and instant office space search.)

Examples:

One Bryant Park (Bank of America Tower)
9 West 57th Street
375 Park Avenue (Seagram Building)
390 Park Avenue (Lever House)
510 Madison Avenue
590 Madison Avenue
650 Madison Avenue
660 Madison Avenue
667 Madison Avenue
712 Fifth Avenue
767 Fifth Avenue (The GM Building)
1095 Avenue of the Americas
1114 Avenue of the Americas (The Grace Building)

Class A Office Buildings in New York City

According to BOMA.org (Building Owners and Managers Association), Class A office buildings are highly regarded assets and compete for the premier tenants in a submarket.  More often than not, these assets achieve rents above average for their area. They have a very high quality standard of finishes, state of the art mechanical systems, exceptional accessibility and a definite market presence.  Most of these buildings are located on the actual avenue and not a side street.  (Looking for Class A office space in New York City?  Click here for our free and instant office space search.)

Examples:

747 Third Avenue
757 Third Avenue
767 Third Avenue
780 Third Avenue
919 Third Avenue
280 Park Avenue
330 Madison Avenue
340 Madison Avenue
350 Madison Avenue
444 Madison Avenue
520 Madison Avenue
540 Madison Avenue
885 Third Avenue – The Lipstick Building
623 Fifth Avenue
650 Fifth Avenue
717 Fifth Avenue
745 Fifth Avenue
1330 Avenue of The Americas
1350 Avenue of the Americas
1370 Avenue of the Americas
810 Seventh Avenue
888 Seventh Avenue

Class B Office Buildings in New York City

According to BOMA’s website, Class B office buildings often compete for a wide range of users.  These buildings tend to have competitive and reasonable rental rates. Building finishes are fair to good for the area and systems are adequate.  The majority of these buildings are mid-block and not located on the avenue- thus providing less natural light.  Accordingly, class B buildings do not compete with Class A at the same price. (Looking for Class B office space in Manhattan?  Click here for our free and instant office space search.)

Examples:

24 West 40th Street
25 West 45th Street
45 West 45th Street
315 Madison Avenue
501 Fifth Avenue

Class C Office Buildings in New York City

Class C office buildings are assets that compete for tenants requiring solely functional office spaces, at rents below the average for the area. These buildings often have limited hours for access, unattended lobbies, minimal elevator access, outdated building systems and antiquated installations.

For additional reading on the building classification system, click here for an informative blog post on Square Feet Blog.

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