News Summary
Ramirez Asset Management has acquired a historic office building at 12 E. 52nd St. in Midtown Manhattan for $14.8 million. Spanning 20,000 square feet, this iconic structure previously changed hands for $32 million in 2016. The acquisition aligns with the trend of revitalizing aging properties in New York City, as developers look to transform them into modern spaces. With Ramirez also purchasing the neighboring site at 14 E. 52nd St., the future of these properties remains a topic of speculation amidst the evolving landscape of the city’s real estate market.
Exciting Changes in Midtown Manhattan with New Office Acquisition
New York City is buzzing with news as Ramirez Asset Management has recently set its sights on a piece of history located at 12 E. 52nd St., right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This iconic office building, which has stood tall for 95 years, has been purchased for a nifty sum of $14.8 million, according to the property records made public just last week. It’s a noteworthy sale that has caught the eyes of real estate watchers across the city.
About the Building
Spanning 20,000 square feet across seven stories, this vintage office space is situated near the bustling retail corridor along Fifth Avenue. It’s hard not to appreciate the charm of a building that has welcomed businesses and visitors for nearly a century. The previous owner, 12 East 52nd Street Devco LLC, which is tied to Macklowe Properties, acquired the property back in 2016 for a striking $32 million from Dryland 52 LLC. With quite a change in the market, it’s clear that the value of the property has shifted significantly since then.
Macklowe’s Ambitious Plans
Back in 2018, Macklowe Properties had formidable plans to redevelop this site into a stunning 1 million-square-foot office tower, incorporating land from an adjacent property at 14 E. 52nd St. However, like many grand plans in the ever-changing landscape of New York City, these ambitions didn’t come to fruition. Even after years of planning, sometimes life’s twists and turns lead to unexpected outcomes.
The Current Trend
This sale and the acquisition of this historic office building align with the overall trend in New York City’s real estate market. Many developers are opting to snap up aging and distressed properties in hopes of transforming them into modern spaces that cater to today’s needs. Interestingly, New York City leads the way in the nation regarding office-to-residential conversions, a trend that reflects the changing demands of living and working spaces.
New Beginnings for Ramirez Asset Management
In addition, just this October, Ramirez Asset Management acquired the neighboring site at 14 E. 52nd St. for $19.5 million. While the future plans for these newly acquired properties remain under wraps, the company’s significant investments indicate a commitment to playing a key role in the evolving landscape of Midtown Manhattan.
What’s Next?
With the acquisition of such pivotal properties, the questions on everyone’s mind are: what will happen next? Will these historic structures be transformed into trendy office spaces or perhaps charming residences? The mystery is part of the excitement in the ever-changing world of real estate in the Big Apple. As the market continues to shift and develop, it will be fascinating to watch how these two sites at 12 and 14 E. 52nd St. will impact the neighborhood and contribute to the city’s vibrant tapestry.
Stay tuned as these developments unfold. In a city like New York, where every corner tells a story, the next chapter for these historic buildings is just beginning!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Architectural Record: Studios Architecture Plants a High-End Amenity Space in Midtown Manhattan
- GlobeSt: Amazon Signs One of Midtown Manhattan’s Largest Office Deals since Pandemic
- CBS News: Midtown Manhattan Office Building Evacuated After Wall Partial Collapse
- Bloomberg: Midtown Office Building Evacuated on Concerns of Wall Collapse
- CoStar: Amazon Inks One of Manhattan’s Largest Office Leases This Year
- Wikipedia: Midtown Manhattan
- Google Search: New York City real estate market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.