In an insightful article for the New York Times, Charles V. Bagli describes Condé Nast’s recent move to Lower Manhattan:
“For two days last weekend, moving trucks shuttled a total of 2,800 orange crates crammed with files, photographs and books from a Times Square office tower downtown to the tallest skyscraper in North America, 1 World Trade Center.
“It was the first wave in the migration of what will be 3,400 editors, writers and advertising executives at 18 magazines from Condé Nast moving to the World Trade Center, confirming both the long-awaited reconstruction of the complex and a shift in the culture downtown.”
He goes on to chronicle the powerhouse magazine publisher’s re-location from Madison Avenue to Midtown in 1999, which then inspired the revitalization of Times Square. The move to the World Trade Center keeps with Condé Nast’s history of staying on the cutting edge, as we see technology, advertising, and media companies replacing large financial institutions. Condé Nast’s presence will undoubtedly breathe new life into the downtown culture, and we should expect to see luxury retailers, art galleries, and restaurants continue to pop up.
While the magazine publisher’ s Midtown locale was known for its unique cafeteria designed by Frank O. Gehrey, the same aesthetic will not be replicated at 1 World Trade. However, prominent editor Graydon Carter, who has been the chief overseer of Vanity Fair for the past 22 years, was given a generous budget and the opportunity to hire an interior designer for his swanky corner office.
Mr. Carter recently appeared on “CBS This Morning” to promote the release of Bohemians, Bootleggers, Flappers and Swells, a book that was published in honor of Vanity Fair‘s 100th anniversary. See the full interview below:
To read the full New York Times article, click here.
To purchase the book, published in hardcover October 30, 2014, click here.
When I first heard that Conde Nast had purchased one quarter of the space available in One World Trade Center, I couldn’t believe it. A huge publishing company moving into what will soon be–if it isn’t already–one of the iconic buildings in New York’s skyline is a wonderful statement to the world: publishing is still going strong. Additionally, with HarperCollins in new offices nearby at Fulton Street, it may not be long until more publishers make the move downtown where there is more space and the rent is cheaper. As this article and the original from the NYT suggests, Conde Nast is very influential, and its presence will likely help to revitalize the neighborhood and bring it back to its former livelihood.
I agree with Tara. I think it is going to be very interesting to see how Financial District will change, with Conde Nast moving it is just a matter of time before we see new businesses opening there, restaurants and edgy places to target those who work for the magazine company. Plus Fulton subway station just opened today after a huge renovation.
Conde Nast’s move to the World Trade Center certainly is huge and exciting, and I’m eager to see what it will bring to the area and maybe even the company itself. Despite everyone’s negative talk about the progress of the publishing industry, I think it’s an exciting time to be in the business, and seeing big positive change like this is wonderful.
When Condé Nast announced their big move to 1 World Trade Center, it signaled another step in the healing process for the city. A company as influential and iconic as Condé Nast had placed their faith in the rebuilding process. To have that promise finally come to fruition after years of construction, is especially exciting. The fact that they leased out a whopping 25 floors of the building speaks to the size and power of that publishing giant. If you want to see just exactly where your favorite magazine will reside, check out this article from NYMag: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/one-world-trade-center-move-in.html
I love the point that Tara S. made that this is a message to the country and the world that publishing is still strong. Not only is the new location an iconic building in Manhattan, it’s a brave and courageous move with so much talk of 1WTC still being a target for terrorists. This is the kind of action this country needs. America needs to show terrorists that we will not let fear control us. I also liked what Bridget W. had to say. It’s a sign that the country (and more importantly on a local level) and the city are continuing to heal after the events of 9/11. It’s only a matter of time before the entire building is filled with growing businesses. This is a great day for New York City.