AmTrustRE has completed a major modernization of 360 Lexington Avenue, transforming the 268,000-square-foot Manhattan office property into a more contemporary, hospitality-driven workplace. Designed by MdeAS Architects, the repositioning builds on the building’s location near Grand Central Terminal and its position in the heart of Midtown’s business district.
Key takeaways
The completed project updates a prominent Midtown office asset while preserving elements of its mid-century architectural identity.
- AmTrustRE acquired 360 Lexington Avenue in late 2024.
- MdeAS Architects led the comprehensive modernization.
- The 268,000-square-foot property now has a more contemporary workplace identity.
- A new double-height storefront creates a stronger presence at street level.
A strategic Midtown repositioning
The project is intended to strengthen 360 Lexington Avenue’s appeal to current and future office users. Its location near Grand Central gives the building direct access to one of Manhattan’s most connected transportation hubs, while its placement within Midtown puts it among the city’s major business destinations.
AmTrustRE President Jonathan Bennett said the company sought to enhance the property’s existing strengths through a thoughtful modernization. The approach reflects a broader effort to make established office buildings more competitive by combining location, design and an improved workplace experience.
Design rooted in the building’s history
Built in 1959 and originally designed by Schuman & Lichtenstein, 360 Lexington Avenue reflects the transitional mid-century modern style that developed during the postwar period. MdeAS Architects’ work responds to that history while giving the property a more distinctive contemporary identity.
A central design feature is the new double-height storefront. It is framed by large angular metal panels that twist upward toward the corner, adding visual movement and a stronger architectural presence along the street. The intervention updates the building’s exterior without disregarding the qualities that distinguish its original design.
Positioning the property for today’s office market
The modernization recasts 360 Lexington Avenue as a workplace designed around a more hospitality-oriented experience. That positioning is increasingly important as office owners compete for tenants seeking buildings that offer both efficient access and a more engaging daily environment.
By pairing a prominent Midtown location with a refreshed architectural expression, AmTrustRE is presenting the property as a modern option within an established office district. The completed repositioning also demonstrates how older commercial buildings can be upgraded through targeted design while retaining their underlying character.
A completed investment milestone
The completion marks an early milestone for AmTrustRE following its acquisition of the property in late 2024. With the modernization now finished, 360 Lexington Avenue enters its next phase as a renewed office destination near Grand Central and within Midtown’s business core.