NEW YORK CITY — U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG has unveiled plans to relocate its headquarters to Two Manhattan West, a new office building under construction in Midtown Manhattan’s West Side neighborhood. The 58-story tower is part of Brookfield Properties’ 7 million-square-foot Manhattan West mixed-use development.
KPMG’s new space at Two Manhattan West is slated for completion in late 2025. The firm will relocate its roughly 5,500 New York-based employees and lease approximately 450,000 square feet. The new lease signing represents a more than 40 percent decrease in KPMG’s existing New York office space, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper reports that KPMG is pursuing a hybrid work strategy where employees are expected to gather at company or client offices on some days. The firm is following suit of a number of companies that have downsized office footprints in exchange for nicer space following the pandemic.
KPMG currently occupies space at 345 Park Ave., its headquarters, as well as 560 Lexington Ave. and 1350 Sixth Ave. The firm has been based in New York City since its inception in 1897.
“As we celebrate our 125th anniversary and think about our firm’s future, this is an incredible opportunity to bring our people together in a custom-designed office space that will showcase our firm’s commitment to culture, innovation, wellness and sustainability,” says Paul Knopp, KPMG U.S. chair and CEO.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed Two Manhattan West to target LEED Gold certification. The 1.9 million-square-foot project will feature energy-efficient design, optimization of electrical service performance, sustainable materials, maximization of natural light, stormwater harvesting and recycling, and the latest in indoor air quality. The tower is slated for completion in early 2023.
Two Manhattan West is connected to Moynihan Train Hall via a protected crosswalk and offers direct access to Manhattan features such as the High Line park, The Shed art installation, Madison Square Garden and Penn Station.
KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization, which operates in 144 countries and territories.
Brookfield Properties is a real estate developer and operator. The New York City-based firm is active in nearly all property sectors, including office, retail, multifamily, hospitality and logistics, and operates more than 750 properties and 325 million square feet in gateway markets on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management.
— Kristin Hiller