What is 1450 Broadway?
1450 Broadway NYC is an office building on the corner of Broadway and 41st Street in Midtown Manhattan, close to Times Square, the Garment District and Bryant Park. It is a tall commercial tower, usually described as a 42-storey building, and is also known as the Continental Building. As with many big buildings, details such as exact floor area differ between sources, so check a current property listing for specifics.
History and design
The building was completed in the early 1930s, with sources giving 1930 or 1931, in the period when many Art Deco towers rose in New York. The architect is listed as Ely Jacques Kahn, a New York architect known for Art Deco buildings in the Garment District, including several that were designed for textile and clothing firms. Like other buildings of this kind, 1450 Broadway has a stepped, vertical design typical of its time.
Location
The address sits in an area that mixes tourism, fashion and offices.
- Times Square: a short walk north.
- Bryant Park and the New York Public Library: a few blocks to the east.
- Penn Station and Madison Square Garden: within walking distance to the south-west.
- Grand Central Terminal: a short walk east.
- Port Authority Bus Terminal: a few blocks west.
The neighbourhood is highly connected by subway and bus, which is a reason offices here are in demand. Check the MTA site for lines that serve the area.
Who uses the building?
Offices in Midtown houses firms in sectors such as fashion, media, technology and services. Commercial listings have named a range of tenants over the years, including coworking operators and companies from different industries. Tenant lists change, so rely on recent property listings or the landlord for up-to-date details.
Ownership and plans
Commercial property news has reported on the building’s ownership and financing in recent years, including a large loan taken out in 2021. Some reports have also mentioned that conversions of older office buildings to housing are being considered across Midtown. Whether this applies to any particular building depends on the owner’s plans and city rules, so treat such reports with caution and check the original source.
Is it open to visitors?
It is a private office building, not a tourist attraction. The lobby is for tenants and visitors with appointments, and access is controlled by security. If you have a meeting, bring ID and check in with the front desk. If you only want to see the building, you can admire it from the street.
Things to do nearby
Even though the building itself is not a sightseeing stop, the area is full of options:
1. Walk through Bryant Park, which has a skating rink in winter and markets during the holidays.
2. Visit the New York Public Library’s main branch on Fifth Avenue.
3. See a show in the Theater District.
4. Walk through Herald Square and the Macy’s flagship store.
5. Browse the garment district shops for fabric and trims.
Food around 41st Street
The area has plenty of lunch options for office workers, from food carts to delis and fast casual chains. Korean food is concentrated in Koreatown, a few blocks away on 32nd Street. For a sit-down meal, the Theater District has many restaurants, though prices are higher near Times Square.
Getting there
Several subway lines stop near 42nd Street, including the lines at Times Square and Bryant Park. From Penn Station you can walk in about 15 minutes. If you arrive from the airports, take a taxi, a bus or a train to Midtown and walk the rest.
Tips for visitors with appointments
- Allow time to pass building security.
- Arrive a few minutes early, since lifts can be busy at peak hours.
- Bring a photo ID.
- Confirm the floor and suite number with your host.
Why such buildings matter
Midtown office towers from the early 20th century show how New York developed around the garment trade and later offices. Many have been renovated inside while keeping their outer look. Reading about them helps visitors understand the city better.
A note on accuracy
Because commercial buildings change owners and tenants often, treat any figures you read, including floor area, as approximate. Reliable sources include the New York City property records, the landlord’s website and the city’s Landmarks and Buildings departments. If you need data for business, such as lease terms or square footage, ask a licensed broker.
Final thoughts
1450 Broadway NYC is a classic Midtown tower, valued for its location and its Art Deco era design. It is mainly an office building rather than a visitor attraction, but its surroundings offer plenty to see.
Related reading: Cheap Eats Near Me: How to Find Good Food on a Small Budget.
