Herrick’s newly-revamped offices aren’t just modern and efficient; they’re a monument to NYC’s architectural heritage.
Part workspace, part gallery, Herrick’s offices at 2 Park Avenue are home to the nearly hundred-year-old firm and a collection of more than 50 unique artifacts that span the city’s history. TRD spoke with leaders from the firm, including Belinda G. Schwartz, Executive Chair and Co-Chair of the Real Estate Department, Jonathan A. Adelsberg, Co-Chair of the Real Estate Department and Chair of Leasing, and Barbaros M. Karaahmet, Chief Operating Partner, about Herrick’s mission, the firm’s redesigned Midtown office, and what preserving pieces of NYC history means for the future.
Bringing the past into the future
Herrick’s business is built on legacy, which all starts with its physical location.
“We really view 2 Park as our home,” says Schwartz. “We started out as a real New York City dirt firm, very focused on real estate, very focused on the entrepreneurship of real estate. Today, we have this beautiful dichotomy of being both New York-centric and doing deals across the United States.”
The longest-standing tenant at the Art Deco building at 2 Park Avenue, Herrick is one of very few New York law firms to occupy the same address for decades. Prior to renovation, firm leaders opted to stay in the historic building, embracing a design that blends architectural heritage with modern amenities and highlights more than 50 artifacts spanning the city’s history.
“Herrick’s enduring presence at 2 Park Avenue is a testament to the building’s legacy,” says Franco Rauseo, Global Director of Real Estate for Hadson Realty and Haddad Brands, which both owns 2 Park Ave and is a current tenant. “We look forward to supporting Herrick’s next chapter in this iconic location.”
Longtime Manhattan developer and investor William “Billy” Macklowe, CEO of William Macklowe Company, says he is “proud to continue to partner with Herrick, a law firm with a storied New York legacy whose unmatched real estate counsel and unwavering, client-first commitment continue to turn ambitious visions into landmark projects across the city.”
Abramson’s treasure
The firm’s collection traces its origins to the late 1970s when the late Ed Abramson, then a managing partner, began rescuing remnants from demolition sites.
“Abramson had this love for New York City and this love for New York City history. He literally started going to demolition companies and collecting these items,” recalls Adelsberg. “He would walk younger lawyers through the collection, explaining how he acquired each piece and sometimes joked that demolition crews paid him to take them rather than the other way around.”
These pieces include a section of terracotta fresco from the Beach Pneumatic Transit, the first subway system built in the United States; historic seals of the City of New York; a model of the nearby Empire State Building made of ribbons and spools of thread; an IRT ticket box from 1904; a ride board from Coney Island’s Steeplechase Park dating to around 1897; and the original finial that once sat atop the Woolworth Building.
Clients often find themselves pausing to explore the displays. Some objects are tied to the firm’s prior deals, and research is underway to uncover more about the history of each piece both for record keeping of the collection and to share with visitors.
Museum meets offices
TPG Architecture used Herrick’s collection of artifacts as the focal point for the newly renovated offices at 2 Park Avenue, integrating them tastefully throughout to breathe life into the firm’s workspace.
“We spend more time awake in our offices than we do at home,” says Schwartz, making it essential to be surrounded by a space that “feels good, but works better.”
Investments were made in soundproofing, white-noise systems, modern conferencing technology and flexible rooms that can adapt to multiple uses. Glass-fronted offices maximize the flow of natural light, while multipurpose conference rooms can shift from boardroom settings to training environments or collaborative hubs.
The reception area features comfortable seating, breakout spaces, and business center amenities.
“We grow, but we grow very mindfully,” says Karaahmet. “We’re very selective with our talent. Cohesiveness with the team is very important to us.”
Herrick’s physical footprint mirrors its position in the legal market: substantial but not sprawling. Many of the firm’s 145 attorneys have long tenures with Herrick and are well versed in various deal types across many disciplines from construction and development to complex transactions across the capital stack.
Collaboration among attorneys is key.
“We believe that being together matters,” explains Adelsberg. “The space is designed to encourage spontaneous interaction while still respecting the privacy and focus our work requires.”
Visit Herrick’s website to learn how the firm’s commitment to excellence extends to its work with clients from New York City and throughout North America.