Empire State Building becoming a haven for not-for-profit groups.

Although it boasts the most diversified tenant roster of any office tower in the world, the Empire State Building continues to be a remarkably popular headquarters site for one particular group of space user--not-for-profit organizations.

Whether it's a large space commitment, like the 42,740 square feet occupied by the Boy Scouts of USA or a modest office, such as the 368-square foot unit leased to the American Menopause Foundation, the world's most famous office building is rapidly becoming the location of choice for more and more non-profits.

"These organizations derive tremendous benefits from the worldwide address recognition that comes with being a tenant here," notes Empire State Building General Manager Stephen A. Tole. "And they also enjoy attractive lease terms and exceptional on-site building features, amenities and attractions, including our own Post Office, two banks, a Fed Ex store, and five restaurants, including the soon-to-open Heartland Brewery flagship store."

According to the property's Leasing Director Tom Sullivan, the current roster of non-profit tenants at the Empire State Building reads like a veritable "who's who" of the not-for-profit industry.

The list includes YWCA of USA, United Hospital Fund, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights In China, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, American Geriatrics Society, National Action Minorities, Citizenship Education Fund, Interracial Council of Business Opportunity, New York Foundation, Variety Foundation of New York and many more too numerous to mention.

Besides the non-profit sector, overall office leasing activity at the Empire State Building is enjoying one of its busiest sustained periods in recent memory. Last year, for example, the volume of new leasing activity by total footage was up 81.3% (231,886 SF compared to 127,934 SF in 2002); the number of new lease transactions was up 21.3% (97 leases compared to 80); the volume of renewals by total footage was up 42.3% (147,503 SF to 103,635 SF); and the volume of lease renewals was up 5.5% (58 leases to 55).

Long a symbol of New York, the Empire State Building remains one of the most prestigious addresses on the planet. Celebrating its 74th birthday this year, the Building continues a 10-year, $70 million, capital improvement project that has already included new windows, upgraded and computerized elevators, enhanced central air conditioning, new upper floor lobbies and bathrooms, interior lighting retrofit and expanded security systems.