111 Eighth Avenue

Mixed-use building in Manhattan, New York Google Building the corporate headquarters in California Googleplex other Google office locations Google#Office locations Port Authority Building the building in Antwerp Port Authority Building (Antwerp) June 2021 August 2019 111 Eighth Avenue Union Inland Terminal #1 Port Authority Building Inland Terminal 1 Eighth Avenue.jpg refer to caption Eighth Avenue façade of 111 Eighth Avenue in 2011 Multi-use Art Deco Google Google Chelsea, Manhattan 111 Eighth Avenue New York City, New York United States yes 40 44 29 N 74 0 11 W region:US-NY_type:landmark inline,title 1932 15 2900000 ft2 m2 Lusby Simpson Abbott, Merkt & Co. 111 Eighth Avenue, also known as the Google Building and formerly known as Union Inland Terminal #1 and the Port Authority Building, is an Art Deco building in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The 15-story, mixed-use building occupies an entire city block and has 2.9 e6sqft m2 of floor space, more than the Empire State Building. The Port of New York Authority began acquiring the land on the building's site in 1930, against the protests of local residents. It was completed in 1932 and served as an inland terminal for the Hudson River piers and as a warehousing and industrial facility. Occupancy fell to 50percent in the 1970s due to the decline of industrial activity in Manhattan, and the Port Authority itself moved to the World Trade Center in 1973. In the 1990s the building began to attract tenants in the technology and telecommunications sectors. In 2010, the building was purchased for $1.8 billion by Google, who became its largest tenant; Google's presence helped attract other technology companies to Chelsea and contributed to the neighborhood's ongoing gentrification. Aside from Google, the building is also home to a cancer treatment center and a black box theater. Description 111 Eighth Avenue occupies the full city block between Eighth and Ninth Avenues and 15th and 16th Streets in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, United States.Holusha, John October 24, 1999 Commercial Property /111 Eighth Avenue; Developers Taking a Manhattan Formula to Chicago The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/24/realestate/commercial-property-111-eighth-avenue-developers-taking-manhattan-formula.html live May 24, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20150420014920/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/24/realestate/commercial-property-111-eighth-avenue-developers-taking-manhattan-formula.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm April 20, 2015 The building, completed in 1932, was designed by Lusby Simpson of Abbott, Merkt & Co.Gustin Sam December 22, 2010 Google Buys Giant New York Building for 1.9 Billion https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/12/google-nyc/ Wired June 12, 2022 May 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120527192950/http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/12/google-nyc live 183 The building is 15 stories tall and has 2.9 e6sqft m2 of floor space, more than the Empire State Building;Other sources give the floor area as 2.3 e6sqft m2, Commercial Real Estate; Behemoth of a Building Is Set for a Tenant Influx David W. Dunlap November 19, 1997 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/19/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-behemoth-of-a-building-is-set-for-a-tenant-influx.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612143127/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/19/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-behemoth-of-a-building-is-set-for-a-tenant-influx.html live Jonathan Logan Planning To Expand in New York Michael Sterne June 17, 1976 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/17/archives/jonathan-logan-planning-to-expand-in-new-york.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612143502/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/06/17/archives/jonathan-logan-planning-to-expand-in-new-york.html live 2.5 e6sqft m2, The port of New York Carl W. Condit 1980 University of Chicago Press 978-0-226-11460-6 https://archive.org/details/portofnewyork0000cond/mode/2up150 or 2.6 e6sqft m2. Developers Gear Up for Telecom Hotels; Buildings Become Centers for Servers Motoko Rich March 8, 2000 The Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB952476105275048179 June 12, 2022 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213535/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB952476105275048179 live the individual floors are nearly 4 acre ha in area and have 14.5 ft m on ceilings. It has a rooftop helipad and penthouse floors on either end of the building. 111 Eighth Ave. – General Description http://www.111eighth.com/general.htm Taconic Investment Partners https://web.archive.org/web/20080217061941/http://www.111eighth.com/general.htm February 17, 2008 Its exterior is in the Art Deco style Observations on Googleplex East David Huber Winter 2011 Log 21 124 41765407 and features recurring seagull motifs. The walls are largely made of brick, with granite bases; the first two stories are limestone, and copings and finials are of terracotta. Because of the warehouse mission of the building, it was able to avoid some of the setback rules that greatly reduced the buildable space available for the skyscrapers that mark the Manhattan skyline.Railroad Operated Pier Stations & Inland Freight Stations of Manhattan http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/pierstations.html#Inland%20Freight%20Station%20Overview May 24, 2013 Members.trainweb.com June 10, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130610084248/http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/pierstations.html#Inland%20Freight%20Station%20Overview live NYC Commercial Real Estate – Page 73 http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4949&page=73 May 24, 2013 Wirednewyork.com June 16, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130616034805/http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4949&page=73 live Features Original use The building had a multipurpose design when it opened in 1932, with the first floor and basement designated as "Union Inland Terminal #1", which was to be used to transport goods by truck to and from railroad lines and shipping piers on the Hudson River.March 13, 1933 Port Authority Tenants: Many Industries Moving In Eighth Avenue Terminal The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/03/13/archives/port-authority-tenants-many-industries-moving-in-eighth-avenue.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612155752/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/03/13/archives/port-authority-tenants-many-industries-moving-in-eighth-avenue.html live Cargo was dropped off along 15th Street, sorted inside the building, and picked up from the 16th Street side.Dunlap David W. 1997-11-19 Commercial Real Estate; Behemoth of a Building Is Set for a Tenant Influx en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/19/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-behemoth-of-a-building-is-set-for-a-tenant-influx.html 2023-04-16 0362-4331 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612143127/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/19/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-behemoth-of-a-building-is-set-for-a-tenant-influx.html live The building included four truck elevators, each of which had a 40000 lb kg ST on capacity and could travel at up to 200 ft/min.1933-01-03 50 Asked to Attend Dinner in Elevator; Port Authority to Demonstrate New Big Truck Lifts Friday at Freight Terminal. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/03/archives/50-asked-to-attend-dinner-in-elevator-port-authority-to-demonstrate.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213508/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/03/archives/50-asked-to-attend-dinner-in-elevator-port-authority-to-demonstrate.html live These elevators measured 17 by 34 ft across, and they lifted trucks into pits measuring 3.5 ft deep and 38 by 90 ft across. There were also 12 package elevators and 18 passenger elevators. October 1932 A 'Postoffice' for Freight' Scientific American 147 4 226–227 1932SciAm.147..226. 10.1038/scientificamerican1032-226 Freight companies used the elevators to deliver cargo directly to tenants, in contrast to other industrial buildings in New York City, where cargo was dropped off at ground level.1931-06-21 New Terminal Deliveries; Conveniences for Tenants In Eighth Avenue Building. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/21/archives/new-terminal-deliveries-conveniences-for-tenants-in-eighth-avenue.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414195808/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/21/archives/new-terminal-deliveries-conveniences-for-tenants-in-eighth-avenue.html live The second floor contained Commerce Hall, designed for exhibitions.9 Dec 1933 Six- Acre Ford Exhibit Opens In New Arena: Exposition of Automotive Progress Overflows Hall of Port Authority Building Public Welcome Today 'Car That Talks' Will Not Comment on the N. R. A Dedicating Hall in Port Authority Building 5 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1222194673 The upper floors were intended for manufacturing. Each floor covered 165000 ft2.1933-07-09 Gets Low Insurance; Port Authority Building Is Lowest Rated of its Type. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/07/09/archives/gets-low-insurance-port-authority-building-is-lowest-rated-of-its.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 There were 16 loading docks on each floor.Oser Alan S. 22 Sep 1976 About Real Estate: Zoning Revisions to Expand Loft Conversions Are Urged by New York Real Estate Board 45 The New York Times 0362-4331 123038715 On the 15th floor, which contained the Port Authority's offices, engineer Aymar Embury II designed a 325-seat auditorium decorated in green and blue. The New York Herald Tribune said was the "first auditorium designed for commercial purposes in a strictly commercial structure".3 Sep 1933 Port Authority Offers Hall for Trade Meetings: Space in Commerce Building Available for Tenants and Civic Group Gatherings H2 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1115104987 Current use The building's design retains vestiges of its original industrial purpose, including truck-sized freight elevators and floors built to support heavy loads. 2008, two of its original truck elevators were still in use, in addition to nine other large freight elevators and fourteen passenger elevators. The floors of the two lobbies originally each had a large bronze seal of the Port Authority embedded in them; one of these was removed and converted into a coffee table as a retirement gift for Port Authority director Austin J. Tobin. Perpetual Motion: The Illustrated History of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Joe Mysak Judith Schiffer 1997 General Publishing Group 90 It is also noted for its unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. In Chelsea, a Magnet for High-Profile Tenants Sana Siwolop January 11, 2006 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/11/realestate/in-chelsea-a-magnet-for-highprofile-tenants.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612152405/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/11/realestate/in-chelsea-a-magnet-for-highprofile-tenants.html live The building has direct access to the 14th Street/Eighth Avenue station of the New York City Subway; 111 Eighth Ave. – Transportation http://www.111eighth.com/transportation.htm Taconic Investment Partners https://web.archive.org/web/20080121044554/http://www.111eighth.com/transportation.htm January 21, 2008 when the building opened, a staircase at 15th Street and Eighth Avenue led directly to the subway station in the basement.29 Oct 1933 Port Authority Starts Work on Exhibit Floor: Ceremony of Sealing Cornerstone by Cullman Is Scheduled for Thursday H2 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1240076042 History Union Inland Terminal #1 and Port Authority Commerce Building By the early twentieth century, the West Side of Manhattan was plagued with heavy traffic because of the tangle of street-level passenger and freight trains on the West Side Line, cargo unloading from the busy Hudson River piers, and the lack of suitable warehouse facilities.140–151 The situation led the Port of New York Authority to commission the construction of a large inland terminal at 111 Eighth Avenue. Aid To Public Seen In Inland Terminal; Cullmans Says Economies of Port Authority Project Will Benefit Consumer. Like Freight Postoffice: Commissioner, in Radio Address, Points to Saving in Picking Up, Loading and Handling. March 7, 1931 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/07/archives/aid-to-public-seen-in-inland-terminal-cullman-says-economies-of.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612165227/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/03/07/archives/aid-to-public-seen-in-inland-terminal-cullman-says-economies-of.html live It was designed to alleviate the traffic problem by streamlining the distribution of goods within a single location. Instead of cargo being picked up directly at the piers, it would be brought to the building to be consolidated, where trucks could pick up all their cargo in a single stop. A concurrent project, the West Side Improvement Project, replaced the West Side Line with the original High Line elevated railway, which ran a few blocks away from 111 Eighth Avenue; it began full operation in 1934. Streetscapes: The West Side Improvement; On the Lower West Side, Fate Of Old Rail Line Is Undecided Christopher Gray January 3, 1988 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-west-side-improvement-lower-west-side-fate-old-rail-line-undecided.html June 14, 2022 February 27, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034743/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/03/realestate/streetscapes-west-side-improvement-lower-west-side-fate-old-rail-line-undecided.html live Construction In May 1930, the Port Authority and all of the railroads in the Port of New York agreed to build a "union inland freight terminal" between Eighth Avenue, 15th Street, Ninth Avenue, and 16th Street.1930-05-19 Pick Chelsea Site for Freight Depot; Port Authority, Which Will Build Big Terminal, and Railroads Reach Accord en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/19/archives/pick-chelsea-site-for-freight-depot-port-authority-which-will-build.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414192729/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/19/archives/pick-chelsea-site-for-freight-depot-port-authority-which-will-build.html live 19 May 1930 Railroads Back Union Freight Terminal Here: Contract Approvals Assure 15,000,000 Depot, Says Port Authority Chairman 32 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1113748682 The terminal was planned to cost $15 million and would include office space,1930-05-20 New Freight Depot to Cost $15,000,000; Port Authority Has Acquired Half of Land Needed for About $1,500,000 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/20/archives/new-freight-depot-to-cost-15000000-port-authority-has-acquired-half.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414192728/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/05/20/archives/new-freight-depot-to-cost-15000000-port-authority-has-acquired-half.html live as well as large driveways and about 7 acre m2 ft2 for sorting freight.Harrington John Walker 25 May 1930 Union Freight Depot to Rise On 9th Ave.: Men Railroads Will Operate $15,000,000 Terminal of Port Authority Here For Smaller Shipments Backers Say Project Will Effect Big Saving in Time Floor Arrangements and Exterior Sketch of Proposed Inland Terminal A11 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1113647750 The structure was to be known as Inland Terminal No. 1 because the Port Authority hoped that similar freight terminals would be constructed across the city.1931-09-10 Freight Depot Bids Ready to Be Opened; Cullman to Act Tomorrow on Award of Construction Work for Inland Terminal en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/10/archives/freight-depot-bids-ready-to-be-opened-cullman-to-act-tomorrow-on.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414195808/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/10/archives/freight-depot-bids-ready-to-be-opened-cullman-to-act-tomorrow-on.html live At the time of the announcement, the Port Authority already owned half of the block, which it had acquired for $1.5 million. Most of the block had been occupied by houses, except for a factory in the middle of the block on 15th Street.Harrington John Walker 21 Dec 1930 Freight Station Will Dwarf All Island Edifices: port Authority Will Employ Army of Men on World's Third Largest Building Famed Aslor Row Doomed 15-Story Structure Likened to Postoffice in Methods Current Projects of Port of New York Authority Employing Many Workers A5 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1113778075 The New York City Board of Estimate approved the proposed terminal's site in June 1930.1930-06-07 Board Approves Site for Freight Terminal; Block Between Ninth and Tenth Avenues From 15th to 16th Street Formally Endorsed. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/07/archives/board-approves-site-for-freight-terminal-block-between-ninth-and.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213509/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/07/archives/board-approves-site-for-freight-terminal-block-between-ninth-and.html live 7 Jun 1930 Port Authority's Freight Depot Site Approved: Board of Estimate Agrees on First of Three Terminals; To Be Built on West Side Mayor Criticizes Method Says Failure to Discuss Alternate Plans Forced Choice 30 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1113670672 The Port Authority acquired additional land on the building's site throughout the rest of the year, despite the protests of local residents. New Land Acquired For Freight Depot; Port Authority Now Has 60% of Proposed Site—Plans Condemnation for More. Old Buildings To Go Jan. 1; Borings Completed to Determine Base—Recommendations for Foundation to Be Made Soon. September 17, 1930 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/09/17/archives/new-land-acquired-for-freight-depot-port-authority-now-has-60-of.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612173336/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/09/17/archives/new-land-acquired-for-freight-depot-port-authority-now-has-60-of.html?searchResultPosition=6 live By October 1930, the Port Authority had bought 85 percent of the site and was preparing to acquire the remaining buildings through condemnation.1930-10-20 Bulk of Site Ready for Freight Depot; Port Authority Announces That Only 15 Per Cent of Land Need Be Condemned. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1930/10/20/archives/bulk-of-site-ready-for-freight-depot-port-authority-announcey-that.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213516/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/10/20/archives/bulk-of-site-ready-for-freight-depot-port-authority-announcey-that.html live A contract for the demolition of existing structures was awarded in December 1930. Twelve railroads signed an agreement with the Port Authority to use the new terminal at the beginning of January 1931,Jan 10, 1931 Twelve Roads Agree To Use N.Y. Terminal: Port Authority announces completion of negotiations with interested carriers Railway Age 90 2 160 8839950651931-01-05 Roads Accept Plan for Freight Depot; Sign Agreement With the Port Authority for Union Terminal on the West Side en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/05/archives/roads-accept-plan-for-freight-depot-sign-agreement-with-the-port.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213504/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/01/05/archives/roads-accept-plan-for-freight-depot-sign-agreement-with-the-port.html live and contractors immediately began razing the site.5 Jan 1931 Site of Freight Terminal Faces Wreckers Today: Demolition of 8th and 9th Avenue Block Marks Start of Port Authority Project Cost Put at $16,000,000 Offers Work to 1m000 Men; 10 Railroads Co-operate 19 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114147414 The Godwin Construction Company was contracted in April 1931 to excavate the site and construct the building's foundations.1931-04-02 Contract is Awarded for New Terminal Job; Port Authority Accepts Bid of Godwin Company for Excavation and Foundation. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/04/02/archives/contract-is-awarded-for-new-terminal-job-port-authority-accepts-bid.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 A groundbreaking ceremony for the freight terminal, attended by New York State governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, took place on April 30, 1931.1931-05-01 Freight Depot Work Begun by Governor; New Inland Freight Terminal Started. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/05/01/archives/freight-depot-work-begun-by-governor-new-inland-freight-terminal.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414192728/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/05/01/archives/freight-depot-work-begun-by-governor-new-inland-freight-terminal.html live 1 May 1931 Governor Turns Ground for Port Freight Station: Calls $16,000,000 Terminal in 9th Ave. First Step in Jersey-Tri-Borongh Plan Incidents of the Governor's Crowded Dny in New York 3 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114102192 That September, the Port Authority received bids for the construction of the building's superstructure; the Turner Construction Company submitted a low bid of $7.591 million.1931-09-12 Low Bids Offered for Freight Depot; Construction Figures Assure Cost Won't Exceed Bond Limit of $16,000,000 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/12/archives/low-bids-offered-for-freight-depot-construction-figures-assure-cost.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414195809/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/09/12/archives/low-bids-offered-for-freight-depot-construction-figures-assure-cost.html live Construction required 120,000 cubic yards of concrete, 65 miles of piping, and 12 million bricks, as well as 160,000 barrels of cement.1932-03-27 New Devices Speed Freight Terminal; Delivery of Cement in Bulk Is Designed to Effect Big Saving in Union Depot Here en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/27/archives/new-devices-speed-freight-terminal-delivery-of-cement-in-bulk-is.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414195807/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/03/27/archives/new-devices-speed-freight-terminal-delivery-of-cement-in-bulk-is.html live The Port Authority also paid to widen the streets on all four sides.11 Sep 1932 Widen Streets At Building of Port Authority: Inland Freight Terminal Is Important Step in Speeding Up Truck Service D2 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114749823 Four hundred railroad managers were invited to inspect the new terminal on September 9, 1932.1932-09-10 New Depot Shown to Traffic Experts; 400 Inspect Inland Freight Terminal Erected by the Port Authority en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/10/archives/new-depot-shown-to-traffic-experts-400-inspect-inland-freight.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612170603/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/10/archives/new-depot-shown-to-traffic-experts-400-inspect-inland-freight.html live 10 Sep 1932 Inland Freight Station Opens For Inspection: 16 Million Terminal of Port Authority Visited fey 400 Traffic Men and Shippers Served by 8 Railroads Designed to Speed Handling of Less Than Car Lots 12 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114820197 Inland Terminal No. 1 was formally dedicated the next week, September 16, though the building was not at that time fully completed.September 17, 1932 Huge Freight Depot Hailed At Ceremony; Executives of Two States Join in Dedication of $16,000,000 West Side Structure. Roosevelt Lauds Project; Sends Message Calling Inland Terminal a Postal Service for Merchandise. Huge Freight Depot Is Dedicated Here The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/17/archives/huge-freight-depot-hailed-at-ceremony-executives-of-two-states-join.html June 14, 2022 June 15, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220615015018/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/17/archives/huge-freight-depot-hailed-at-ceremony-executives-of-two-states-join.html?searchResultPosition=1 live 17 Sep 1932 Freight Station Is Dedicated by Port Authority: 16.000.000 Inland Terminal Hailed by Lehman as Aid to Transportation' Officiating at Ceremonies Opening New Terminal 7 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114790220 At the time it was the largest building in New York City. The Port Authority Commerce Building The Architectural Record April 1933 274–280 The building ultimately cost $16 million; the superstructure alone cost $8 million to $9 million. Shippers and consignees began using a 265000 ft2 on freight terminal on the basement and first floor on October 3, 1932.1932-10-03 Big Freight Terminal Will Be Opened Today; Port Authority's New Station Is Ready to Handle Less-Than-Carload Lots. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/03/archives/big-freight-terminal-will-be-opened-today-port-authoritys-new.html 2023-04-14 0362-4331 April 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230414195807/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/03/archives/big-freight-terminal-will-be-opened-today-port-authoritys-new.html live Only the basement and ground story were open at the time; the upper stories, intended for light manufacturing, were not expected to be completed until the end of the year.1932-10-04 New Freight Depot Placed in Service; Inland Port Terminal Opens Its Doors Without Ceremony – 40 Truckloads Handled en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/04/archives/new-freight-depot-placed-in-service-inland-port-terminal-opens-its.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213536/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/10/04/archives/new-freight-depot-placed-in-service-inland-port-terminal-opens-its.html live Real-estate experts cited Inland Terminal No. 1 as one of several developments that were contributing to the growth of businesses in Chelsea.30 Oct 1932 Better Transit Adds Dwellers In Chelsea Area: Port Authority Building and Parcel Post Structure Are Mild Boom Factors D1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114598368 The final dedication of the building occurred on February 25, 1933, with a ceremony attended by Port Authority, New York City, and New York state officials.1933-02-26 Huge Port Building Formally Opened; Roosevelt and Lehman Send Felicitations on Completion of $16,000,000 Structure en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/26/archives/huge-port-building-formally-opened-roosevelt-and-lehman-send.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213543/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/26/archives/huge-port-building-formally-opened-roosevelt-and-lehman-send.html live 26 Feb 1933 Port Authority Dedicates New Freight Depot: 'Postoffice for Commerce' Hailed as Step Toward Business Improvement Other Projects Described Midtown Tunnel Next on Development Program 19 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114626084 A banquet was held in one of the building's truck elevators to mark its dedication. Opening and early years Tenants had begun moving into the upper stories even before the building's dedication.1933-02-14 Industries Lease in Port Terminal en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/14/archives/industries-lease-in-port-terminal-manufacturers-begin-occupying.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 By the beginning of 1933, eight hundred shipping firms were using the terminal to ship outbound freight, while fifty shippers received inbound freight there.1933-01-15 800 Shippers Use Freight Terminal; Inland Centre at 8th Av. and 15th St. Gains as Deposit Place for Outbound Goods en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/15/archives/800-shippers-use-freight-terminal-inland-centre-at-8th-av-and-15th.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213522/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/15/archives/800-shippers-use-freight-terminal-inland-centre-at-8th-av-and-15th.html live Upon the building's opening, the Port Authority leased the terminal to the New York Central Railroad, the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Erie Railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the Lackawanna Railroad, the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, and the Central Railroad of New Jersey. Each railroad paid the Port Authority ten cents for every 1 ST LT t of freight handled at the terminal.25 Sep 1953 Port's Trade Loss Is Laid To Authority 11 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1322514839 The terminal was to be used by all shippers in Manhattan between Houston Street to the south and 23rd Street to the north.1933-02-12 Defines Territory of Inland Depot; Port Authority Says It Should Serve Area Between 23d and Houston Streets. en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/12/archives/defines-territory-of-inland-depot-port-authority-says-it-should.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213522/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/12/archives/defines-territory-of-inland-depot-port-authority-says-it-should.html live At the time of construction it was estimated to be capable of handling one-third of the 680,000 annual tons of less-than-carload freight at the port. New Depot Shown To Traffic Experts; 400 Inspect Inland Freight Terminal Erected by the Port Authority. Service To Begin OCT. 3; Surrounding Streets Made Ready for Rush of Trucks When Rail-roads Take Over Building. September 10, 1932 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/10/archives/new-depot-shown-to-traffic-experts-400-inspect-inland-freight.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612170603/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/09/10/archives/new-depot-shown-to-traffic-experts-400-inspect-inland-freight.html live Among the terminal's tenants during the 1930s were the Woolworth Company,1933-12-19 Woolworth Rents Terminal Floor; Takes 165,000 Square Feet of Space in Port Building for Twenty Years en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/19/archives/woolworth-rents-terminal-floor-takes-165000-square-feet-of-space-in.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213520/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/19/archives/woolworth-rents-terminal-floor-takes-165000-square-feet-of-space-in.html live Rand McNally,26 May 1933 Rand McNally Leases Quarters In Port Building: Publishing Firm to Merge Office and Distribution Facilities on West Side 38 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1114740780 the New York Trust Company,1934-02-13 Bank Rents Space in Port Building; New York Trust Company Obtains 35,000 Square Feet in Eighth Av. Terminal en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/13/archives/bank-rents-space-in-port-building-new-york-trust-company-obtains.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213546/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/13/archives/bank-rents-space-in-port-building-new-york-trust-company-obtains.html live and offices of the Works Progress Administration.March 26, 1936 WPA Picketing Continues; But There Are No New Arrests at Eighth Avenue Headquarters The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/26/archives/wpa-picketing-continues-but-there-are-no-new-arrests-at-eighth.html June 12, 2022 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612161153/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/26/archives/wpa-picketing-continues-but-there-are-no-new-arrests-at-eighth.html live The Port Authority hired Caldwell, Garvan & Bettini in October 1933 to construct a lobby, stair, and foyer for Commerce Hall on the building's second floor. Commerce Hall opened on December 8, 1933, with an exhibit of Ford Motor Company vehicles.1933-12-09 Ford Show Opens Commerce Hall; Governor Moore at Dedication of Auditorium in Building of the Port Authority en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/09/archives/ford-show-opens-commerce-hall-governor-moore-at-dedication-of.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213520/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/09/archives/ford-show-opens-commerce-hall-governor-moore-at-dedication-of.html live The terminal saw early success in reducing truck traffic to and from the railheads. For instance, on May 25, 1936, 250 trucks brought cargo to the building that was consolidated into only 37 trucks to take to the ferry terminals. The Port of New York Authority Sixteenth Annual Report 1936 Port of New York Authority 44–45 Commerce Hall hosted the National Business Show for several years in the 1930s. By February 1938, all of the building's space had been rented, despite the ongoing Great Depression.7 Feb 1938 Port Authority Building Reported 100% Rented 25 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1242951376 After Commerce Hall was closed in 1938, the floor was converted to regular commercial use. The Port of New York Authority Eighteenth Annual Report 1938 Port of New York Authority 46 https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/corporate/annual-reports/1938.pdf July 23, 2022 November 29, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221129212900/https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/corporate/annual-reports/1938.pdf live 1940s to early 1970s The Board of Estimate approved an agreement in 1940, in which the Port Authority would make annual $60,000 payments in lieu of taxes on the building.Apr 12, 1940 Estimate Board Approves Port Authority Payments: City Is Authorized to Accept $60,064 a Year for Building 14 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 12612667941940-04-12 Port Authority Deal Eases Budget Worry; City Acts on 8-Year-Old Contract to Produce $600,000 en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/12/archives/port-authority-deal-eases-budget-worry-city-acts-on-8yearold.html live 2023-04-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20190601211834/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/04/12/archives/port-authority-deal-eases-budget-worry-city-acts-on-8yearold.html June 1, 2019 0362-4331 The building remained 95 percent occupied at the time.1940-03-11 Tenants Renew Leases; Port Authority Building on 8th Ave. Reported 95% Rented en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/11/archives/tenants-renew-leases-port-authority-building-on-8th-ave-reported-95.html live 2023-04-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213446/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/03/11/archives/tenants-renew-leases-port-authority-building-on-8th-ave-reported-95.html April 16, 2023 0362-4331 Its tenants during the early 1940s included Sears, Roebuck and Company,8 Feb 1941 Sears, Roebuck Rents 60,000 Square Feet: Takes Large Unit in Building of Port Authority on 8th Ave. 28 The New York Times 0362-4331 106130548 as well as a regional office for the Second Corps Area.1941-07-01 Corps Area Office Set Up; Regional Civilian Defense Center to Be in Port Authority Building en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/01/archives/corps-area-office-set-up-regional-civilian-defense-center-to-be-in.html live 2023-04-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213446/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/01/archives/corps-area-office-set-up-regional-civilian-defense-center-to-be-in.html April 16, 2023 0362-4331 In spite of a decline in freight traffic during World War II, the Port Authority retained a good credit rating and, by 1945, had drawn up plans for two new freight terminals in the New York metropolitan area.1946-08-12 Port Authority Reports Rise Of 10.4% in Use of Facilities; 2,000-Tons-a-Day Capacity en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1946/08/12/archives/port-authority-reports-rise-of-104-in-use-of-facilities.html 2023-04-15 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213541/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/08/12/archives/port-authority-reports-rise-of-104-in-use-of-facilities.html live The Port Authority's 1949 report noted a significant decrease in freight handling at the building due to an overall shift in Manhattan from rail to trucks for transporting goods. Twenty-Ninth Annual Report 1949 Port of New York Authority https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/corporate/annual-reports/1949.pdf July 24, 2022 July 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220724001143/https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/corporate/annual-reports/1949.pdf live 80 Around this time, the Port Authority constructed additional inland terminals intended for truck traffic: the New York Union Motor Truck Terminal in 1949 and the Newark Union Motor Truck Terminal in 1950. 31st Annual Report 1951 Port of New York Authority https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/corporate/annual-reports/1951.pdf July 24, 2022 July 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220724001200/https://www.panynj.gov/content/dam/corporate/annual-reports/1951.pdf live 96 The Port Authority began erecting a helipad on the building's roof in November 1950,28 Nov 1950 Helicopter Service For Port Authority: Landing Stage on Building First of Kind Here Work Starts on City's First Rooftop Heliport 29 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 13268655441950-11-28 Construction of City's First Aerial 'Heliport' Begun Atop Port Authority's Headquarters en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1950/11/28/archives/construction-of-citys-first-aerial-heliport-begun-atop-port.html 2023-04-16 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213510/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/11/28/archives/construction-of-citys-first-aerial-heliport-begun-atop-port.html live and the helipad opened on May 31, 1951.Brower Arthur 1951-06-01 Port Authority Helicopter Begins Routine Service; Helicopter Starts Roof Service For Officials of Port Authority en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1951/06/01/archives/port-authority-helicopter-begins-routine-service-helicopter-starts.html 2023-04-16 0362-4331 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213529/https://www.nytimes.com/1951/06/01/archives/port-authority-helicopter-begins-routine-service-helicopter-starts.html live 1 Jun 1951 Helicopter Reduces Five-hour Trip to One 17 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1318531020 It was the site of an accident on July 13, 1955, when a Bell 47 helicopter operated by the Port Authority crashed shortly after take-off and fell, in flames, onto the fifteenth floor, where it became stuck. The pilot and his only passenger survived with injuries. Copter Crashes, Burns on 16th Floor Of 9th Avenue Heliport; Two Injured; Craft Somersaults After Take-Off, Falls and Is Wedged in Setback Wrecked Murray Schumach July 14, 1955 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1955/07/14/archives/-copter-crashes-burns-on-16th-floor-of-9th-avenue-heliport-two.html June 14, 2022 June 15, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220615020846/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/07/14/archives/-copter-crashes-burns-on-16th-floor-of-9th-avenue-heliport-two.html live 14 Jul 1955 Helicopter Dangles Afire 16 Floors Above 9th Ave.: 2 Saved From Wreckage on Ledge; Took Off While Still on a 'Leash' 1 New York Herald Tribune 1941-0646 1335548257 The last of the railroad companies left the building in 1963. Commercial Property: The Port Authority and Starrett Lehigh Buildings; For 2 Huge Relics, Different Futures Jerry Cheslow March 15, 1992 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/15/realestate/commercial-property-port-authority-starrett-lehigh-buildings-for-2-huge-relics.html June 12, 2022 March 28, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230328173420/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/15/realestate/commercial-property-port-authority-starrett-lehigh-buildings-for-2-huge-relics.html live The shipping and manufacturing industries in Chelsea declined significantly during the 1960s, as firms moved from the neighborhood to elsewhere in the New York metropolitan area.1969-09-30 Neighborhoods: Chelsea Is Seeking to Retain Its Own Character en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1969/09/30/archives/neighborhoods-chelsea-is-seeking-to-retain-its-own-character.html 2023-04-16 0362-4331 The building remained the Port Authority's headquarters until the agency moved to the new World Trade Center in 1973. Sylvan Lawrence ownership The Port Authority sold 111 Eighth Avenue to Realopco Inc. – a company operated by brothers Sylvan Lawrence and Seymour Cohn, who also led the Sylvan Lawrence Company – for $24 million in July 1973.1973-07-15 News of the Realty Trade en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/15/archives/metropolitan-fails-to-convert-riverton-news-of-the-realty-trade.html 2023-04-16 0362-4331 February 6, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220206011856/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/15/archives/metropolitan-fails-to-convert-riverton-news-of-the-realty-trade.html live The owners added a CCTV system, replaced existing manually operated elevators with 12 automatic elevators, and refurbished the lobby, and they received a $25 million mortgage from Chase Manhattan Bank. The building had a 40 percent vacancy rate in 1975,Oser Alan S. 1975-10-29 About Real Estate en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1975/10/29/archives/about-real-estate-zoning-revisions-to-expand-loft-conversions-are.html 2023-04-17 0362-4331 a figure that increased the next year to 50 percent. This was attributed to the decline of manufacturing in New York City and the ongoing national recession; in addition, several tenants had vacated large blocks of space, including Interstate Stores and Atlantic Department Stores. Mayor Abraham Beame proposed that the vacant space be leased to garment manufacturers, but many garment firms were loath to relocate.Stern Michael 1974-10-10 New Lofts to Aid Garment Center en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1974/10/10/archives/new-lofts-to-aid-garment-center-plans-for-underused-land-are.html 2023-04-17 0362-4331 After the Sorg Printing Company leased some of the vacant space, the occupancy rate increased to 75 percent by January 1977.Geline Robert 1976-11-10 Printer Types It: N.Y. is Font City 41 Daily News https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122973703/printer-types-it-ny-is-font/ 2023-04-16 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213447/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/122973703/printer-types-it-ny-is-font/ live Occupancy had rebounded to 90 percent by 1979. All That Space In Warehouses Filling Up Fast James Barron June 17, 1979 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/17/archives/all-that-space-in-warehouses-filling-up-fast-all-that-warehouse.html June 12, 2022 March 31, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230331003736/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/17/archives/all-that-space-in-warehouses-filling-up-fast-all-that-warehouse.html live Following Lawrence's death in 1981, Seymour Cohn and Lawrence's widow Alice each acquired a 50 percent stake in 111 Eighth Avenue. Cohn and Alice Lawrence were unable to agree on what to do with 111 Eighth Avenue and three other buildings, leading to a protracted legal struggle.Amy Feldman 29 Sep 1997 Nasty breakup at Sylvan Lawrence Crain's New York Business 13 39 3 219134336 During the 1980s and 1990s, the building attracted a number of a tenants in the computer industry, who were drawn by the large floor space. In addition, numerous companies had moved their back office operations to 111 Eighth Avenue by the early 1980s.Thomas Robert McG. Jr. 4 Apr 1982 Office Help Sent to Low-Rent Sites: Space Sought in Chelsea, Queens, Brooklyn and S.I. R7 The New York Times 0362-4331 121925397 The building was 80 percent occupied in 1992, with space renting at 8 to 18 $/ft2. By the late 1990s, the building was 87 percent occupied, and Sylvan Lawrence had leased out 200000 ft2 during the preceding year. The building's largest tenants at the time included Citibank, the New York State Insurance Fund, and Prudential Securities. The massive building served as a dwindling warehouse and back-office outpost through the end of the 1990s. Taconic acquisition Cohn and Alice Lawrence agreed to sell off 111 Eighth Avenue and Lawrence's other three buildings in 1997. Blackacre Capital Group and Taconic Investment Partners agreed to acquire the four buildings in November 1997 for $387 million;Bagli Charles V. 1997-11-21 Metro Business; Fund Buys Four Buildings en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/21/nyregion/metro-business-fund-buys-four-buildings.html 2023-04-17 0362-4331 the sale was finalized in January 1998.Rothstein Mervyn 1998-07-15 Commercial Real Estate; Refurbished Behemoth Is Filling Up in Chelsea en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/15/nyregion/commercial-real-estate-refurbished-behemoth-is-filling-up-in-chelsea.html 2023-04-17 0362-4331Croghan Lore 2 Feb 1998 New kids on office block gain instant credibility Crain's New York Business 14 5 15 219135503 Taconic marketed 111 Eighth Avenue as a carrier hotel for the new booming internet business, as the building had high ceilings, large floor plates, multiple fiber-optic connections, and five times the electrical capacity that typical tenants required.Gabriel Frederick 18 Oct 1999 Telecom companies seek buildings to call home Crain's New York Business 15 342 46 219137426 This was coupled with the fashionable rise of the Chelsea neighborhood that surrounded it. Taconic began a $50 million renovation, replacing the building's wiring.Brooks David 19 Oct 1998 State-of-the-art wiring, no charge Crain's New York Business 14 42 53 219192188 One-third of the space was leased to telecommunications companies and another one-third to advertising agencies and internet companies. The new occupants could afford higher rents than the old industrial tenants.Holusha John 1999-02-28 Commercial Property / Queens; Long Island City Still Waits for the Back Offices en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/28/realestate/commercial-property-queens-long-island-city-still-waits-for-the-back-offices.html 2023-04-17 0362-4331 111 Eighth Avenue's new tenants also contributed to the gentrification of the surrounding neighborhood; as Crain's New York wrote in 1999: "The building's advertising and Internet professionals provide a natural market for lunch and nighttime eateries."Gault Ylonda 19 Apr 1999 Meat district doesn't make cut for retailers moving to west Crain's New York Business 15 16 28 219140082 Although Taconic tried to screen potential telecommunications tenants by establishing strict net-worth requirements,Croghan Lore 14 Jun 1999 Rents soaring for second-tier office buildings Crain's New York Business 15 24 1 219149236 so many companies expressed interest in the building that Taconic had stopped accepting new telecommunications tenants by late 1999. Average rents had more than doubled during the preceding two years, from 18 to 46 $/ft2. A 70000 ft2 on cancer treatment center, designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects and operated by St. Vincent's Hospital,Alva Marilyn 26 Jan 1998 One-stop cancer care Crain's New York Business 14 4 26 219191129 opened in the building the same year.Brozan Nadine October 5, 1999 Cardinal Avoids 'Cancer' in Citing Tumor The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/05/nyregion/cardinal-avoids-cancer-in-citing-tumor.html live June 14, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220614131504/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/05/nyregion/cardinal-avoids-cancer-in-citing-tumor.html June 14, 2022 The Eighth and Ninth Avenue lobbies were renovated in 2000 and 2004, respectively. During the Northeast blackout of 2003, the building was able to keep power on, thanks to an underground fuel tank and 37 generators. Commercial Property/After the Blackout; Independent Generators Are Generating Interest John Holusha August 24, 2003 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/24/realestate/commercial-property-after-blackout-independent-generators-are-generating.html June 12, 2022 September 21, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210921152919/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/24/realestate/commercial-property-after-blackout-independent-generators-are-generating.html live In 2006, the Atlantic Theater Company opened a 99-seat black box theater in the building, The Atlantic Theater Company Trades One Coveted Chelsea Space for Another Campbell Robertson August 16, 2006 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/16/theater/16atla.html June 12, 2022 May 4, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220504155953/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/16/theater/16atla.html live and Lifetime Entertainment Services became its first cable television tenant. Google opened its largest engineering office outside of California in the building in 2006, leasing 300000 ft2 m2 across three floors. Can Google Come Out to Play? Deborah Schoeneman December 31, 2006 The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/fashion/31google.html June 28, 2022 December 14, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111214064834/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/fashion/31google.html live The Google workspace was noted for its campus-like and playful atmosphere, with perks including free food and a game room; The New York Times described it as "a vision of a workplace utopia as conceived by rich, young, single engineers in Silicon Valley, transplanted to Manhattan". Google ownership thumb|287px|The old Google corporate logo on Ninth Avenue|alt=refer to caption In 2010, Google contracted to purchase the entire building from Taconic, in a deal reported to be worth around $1.8 billion, the biggest purchase of a U.S. office building of the year.Pruitt A. D. February 11, 2011 The Top Sellers of U.S. Office Buildings in 2010 en-US Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-DVB-18998 June 12, 2022 0099-9660 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612155659/https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-DVB-18998 live Bagli Charles V. December 3, 2010 Google Signs Deal to Buy Manhattan Office Building en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/03/nyregion/03building.html June 12, 2022 0362-4331 July 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220701142637/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/03/nyregion/03building.html live The deal was credited with helping revive the New York City commercial real estate market, which had slumped during the Great Recession.Pristin Terry January 4, 2011 After Hibernation, the Office Market Is Waking Up en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/realestate/commercial/05invest.html June 12, 2022 0362-4331 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612161603/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/realestate/commercial/05invest.html live After the purchase, Google was the largest tenant, with 500000 ft2 m2 of the building. Taconic continued to manage the building under contract from Google.Hu Winnie Goodman J. David December 14, 2018 What Amazon Could Learn From Google in New York City en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/14/nyregion/google-nyc-amazon-offices.html June 12, 2022 0362-4331 June 12, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220612160929/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/14/nyregion/google-nyc-amazon-offices.html live Since its acquisition, the building has become popularly known as the "Google Building",111 Eighth Avenue https://taconicpartners.com/properties/111-eighth-avenue/ May 27, 2021 Taconic Partners May 13, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210513145728/https://taconicpartners.com/properties/111-eighth-avenue/ live and it is regarded as the company's East Coast headquarters.Stewart James B. March 15, 2013 Looking for a Lesson in Google's Perks en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/business/at-google-a-place-to-work-and-play.html June 28, 2022 0362-4331 June 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220628000525/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/business/at-google-a-place-to-work-and-play.html live 111 Eighth Avenue is adjacent to trunk fiber optic lines stretching from Hudson Street and continuing up Ninth Avenue. That line at the time was owned by Lexent Metro Connect. There was speculation at the time of the acquisition that Google would use its strategic location to launch a Google Fiber operation in New York City. The Google Fiber plan never came to pass, and Google has denied it has any plans to bring it to New York City anytime in the near future, although in 2013 it did begin offering free Wi-Fi to its Chelsea neighbors. The Lexent dark fiber line has been acquired by Lightower Fiber Networks.Fitzpatrick Alex Google Rolls Out Biggest Free Wi-Fi Network in New York City Mashable January 8, 2013 https://mashable.com/archive/google-nyc-wifi August 1, 2022 April 16, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213531/https://mashable.com/archive/google-nyc-wifi live The building's meet-me room in its carrier hotel was one of the main network interconnections in the city as of 2006.111 Eighth Avenue Expands Meet-Me-Room Data Center Knowledge December 20, 2006 https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2006/12/20/111-eighth-avenue-expands-meet-me-room August 1, 2022 August 13, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200813182119/https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2006/12/20/111-eighth-avenue-expands-meet-me-room live In 2013 the first class of the newly created Cornell NYC Tech school began classes in the building, in space donated by Google. Classes continued in the building until the school moved to its new location on Roosevelt Island in 2017.Cornell Tech Campus Opens on Roosevelt Island, Marking Transformational Milestone for Tech in NYC September 12, 2017 Cornell Tech https://tech.cornell.edu/news/cornell-tech-campus-opens-on-roosevelt-island-marking-transformational-mile/ June 28, 2022 July 7, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220707014844/https://tech.cornell.edu/news/cornell-tech-campus-opens-on-roosevelt-island-marking-transformational-mile/ live Despite the massive size of the acquisition, Google has still found itself having to rent space elsewhere because it has been unable to break the leases with some of its tenants, including Nike, Deutsch Inc., and Bank of New York.Geiger Daniel https://commercialobserver.com/2012/06/nike-to-google-at-111-8th-drop-dead/ Nike to Google: Just Drop Dead June 15, 2012 The Commercial Observer May 26, 2013 May 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130526163923/http://commercialobserver.com/2012/06/nike-to-google-at-111-8th-drop-dead/ live After years of renting additional space across the street in the Chelsea Market, Google purchased that building in 2018.Furthering our New York investment David Radcliffe March 20, 2018 Google https://www.blog.google/topics/inside-google/furthering-our-new-york-investment/ June 12, 2022 November 6, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201106195519/https://www.blog.google/topics/inside-google/furthering-our-new-york-investment/ live Google's expansion in Chelsea helped attract other technology companies to the area and contributed to gentrification. The New York Times described Google as drawing "relatively few complaints" in the neighborhood, and New York City Council speaker Corey Johnson called the company "a good neighbor", although some residents blamed it for changing the neighborhood's character and driving out smaller businesses. See also Architecture New York City 1932 in architecture Art Deco architecture of New York City List of buildings, sites, and monuments in New York City Notes References External links The History of 111 Eighth Ave | Greg Estren | Talks at Google Category:1932 establishments in New York City Category:1930s architecture in the United States Category:Art Deco architecture in Manhattan Category:Chelsea, Manhattan Category:Data centers Category:Eighth Avenue (Manhattan) Category:Google buildings and structures Category:Industrial buildings and structures in Manhattan Category:Internet in the United States Category:Office buildings completed in 1932 Category:Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Manhattan Category:Telecommunications buildings in the United States Category:Warehouses in the United States