In a head-to-head comparison of amenities and services at high-profile properties in the Grand Central area, The Lincoln Building clearly has the competitive edge.
The comparative analysis includes the five major pre-war office towers within a two-block radius of Grand Central: 405 Lexington Avenue (The Chrysler Building), 420Lexington Avenue (The Graybar Building), 317Madison Avenue, and 535 Fifth Avenue, as well as The Lincoln Building itself at 60 East 42nd Street.
As the chart on page 4 reveals, The Lincoln Building scores highest in meeting twelve key criteria covering services and amenities. Its high score reflects the $43 million (so far) capital improvement program that provided new HVAC; new and faster elevator operating systems; new elevator cabs with marble interiors; new windows; refurbished, air conditioned public corridors and bathrooms; a renovated lobby and concierge desk, and turnstile security. Elevators now feature video screens presenting news and weather reports, stock quotes, traffic updates and building information. (Ownership has committed an additional $12million for further enhancements.)
It is also one of only three buildings that enjoy access to Grand Central Terminal via in-building, underground passageways, which provide sheltered access to the 4, 5, 6, 7 and Times Square Shuttle subway lines, Metro-North commuter rail, restaurants and food shops, and underground walkways that extend up Park Avenue to 47th Street.
Another remarkable feature of The Lincoln Building, which does not appear in the survey, is the array of shops and services provided in its lobby arcade, which extends all the way to Madison Avenue. In addition to the conference center and law library, tenants enjoy the easy accessibility of such services as the Custom Tailor shop, Copy Center, Wavelength hair Salon, Charles Schwab, Camera and Film Center and Computer Sales & Service, Irish Imports, Treadeasy Shoes, a coffee shop, and a newsstand. Not in the arcade, but directly off the lobby, are major branches of Chase Bank and Bank of America, as well as a Mediterranean brasserie called P‡la, which will open this spring.
"I'm a tenant here myself, and I'm thrilled with the recent changes to the building," notes Peter L. Malkin, who leads ownership. "From the perspective of an owner, I view the changes as a smart investment. As a tenant, I view the changes as contributing to an aesthetically pleasing, professional and productive working environment." He concludes, "Simply put, it's a great place to do business."
