WatermanClark, LLC and Brookfield Properties have begun an extensive renovation of Lever House, Park Avenue’s landmark skyscraper. The $100 million redevelopment plan will combine both partners’ extensive placemaking experience to create an unparalleled boutique office opportunity, with the most modern infrastructure and amenities in the world-famous building, ideally situated on prime Park Avenue. The redevelopment will enhance the 22-story, 260,000-square-foot skyscraper and revitalize the one-of-a-kind ground-level public plaza, lobby, and 15,000-square-foot third-floor roof terraces. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the original architects of Lever House, has returned as the project’s lead design firm.

“Lever House has always been celebrated for being ahead of its time and with this redevelopment will once again take its place as the leading boutique office experience in New York City,” said Ric Clark, Co-Managing Partner of WatermanClark. “Envisioned and executed by a world-class development team, this project addresses the clear demand from premier firms for exceptional office environments that are healthful and hospitality-focused, all in one of the world’s most cherished buildings.

On the third floor, in consultation with renowned architects Marmol Radziner, the developers are creating a tenant-only club – an intimate lounge, restaurant, and conference venue – connected to nearly 15,000 square feet of outdoor terraces overlooking Park Avenue for the benefit of the building’s tenants.  In the lobby, Marmol Radziner designed an inviting seating arrangement to create an intimate, boutique hospitality-like experience.

“In updating Lever House for the 21st century we’ve taken a bespoke approach to delivering the most upscale experience for every moment of the workday,” said Callie Haines, Executive Vice President and Head of New York, Brookfield Properties. “We have a unique opportunity to restore this esteemed architectural icon, and we are thrilled to partner with WatermanClark to make the vision a reality.”

WatermanClark and Brookfield Properties anticipate renovations at Lever House to be completed and the building open for tenants in the first quarter of 2023. Tenants will be able to begin construction in their respective premises in the middle of 2022.

Completed in 1952 as the U.S. headquarters of soap company Lever Brothers, Lever House has been globally recognized for its architectural influence at the time of its completion and in the decades following. It was one of the earliest examples of a glass curtain wall facade, revolutionizing Park Avenue, which had exclusively featured buildings of brick and masonry to that point. The facade, along with the positioning of the building’s slim tower along the north end of the site, allow for ample sunlight on all floors. The remainder of the site is covered by a podium which appears to float on stainless steel columns, giving the ground floor over to public space rather than retail – a decision that redefined the relationship between the private and public realms. Lever House is hailed as an icon of the shift to modern skyscrapers, and later became one of only 50 buildings globally to win a Twenty-five Year Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

“Lever House is one of our crown jewels, and we are honored to steward this emblem of Modernism into the future,” said Chris Cooper, Design Partner at SOM. “Our team revisited the site 20 years ago to carefully replace the building’s curtain wall, and we view this next phase of retrofitting as the completion of its restoration. We look forward to enhancing its performance while respecting its rich heritage and ushering it into a new chapter.”

Many of the building’s original details, such as the exterior paving, plaster ceilings, stainless steel columns, and marble planter will be restored. A new planting program by Reed Hilderbrand will bring a grove of birch trees into the planters, both in the plaza and on the third-floor terrace. Cosentini was enlisted to update the mechanical system of the tower from induction units to a dedicated outside air system (DOAS), which will deliver 100 percent outside air to tenants while allowing for additional floor space and higher ceilings, all without changing the exterior appearance of the building. Following the renovation, Lever House is targeting the highest health and sustainability standards including LEED Gold, WELL, WiredScore Platinum, Energy-Star, and GRESB.

Visit www.leverhousenyc.com to learn more.

About WatermanClark

Two of the real estate industry’s most experienced executives, Ric Clark and Philip Waterman III, have combined forces as WatermanClark, a vertically integrated real estate investment and operating company. Messrs. Waterman and Clark have been responsible for executing some of the most creative, complex, and successful real estate investments and developments in global gateway cities. The talented team at WatermanClark capitalizes on decades-long experience while diligently applying cutting-edge sustainability, technology and innovation to deliver exceptional projects for its stakeholders. To learn more, visit watermanclark.com.

About Brookfield Properties

Brookfield Properties is a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets. We are active in nearly all real estate sectors, including office, retail, multifamily, hospitality and logistics, operating more than 800 properties and over 375 million square feet of real estate in gateway markets on behalf of Brookfield Asset Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world. With a focus on sustainability, a commitment to excellence, and the drive for relentless innovation in the planning, development and management of buildings and their surroundings, Brookfield Properties is reimagining real estate from the ground up. For more information, visit brookfieldproperties.com.

About Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global collective of architects, designers, engineers, and planners, responsible for some of the world’s most technically and environmentally advanced buildings and significant public spaces. From a strategic regional plan to a single piece of furniture, SOM’s designs anticipate change in the way we live, work and communicate, and have brought lasting value to communities around the world. The firm’s approach is highly collaborative, and its interdisciplinary team is engaged on a wide range of international projects, with creative studios based across the globe.