Amazon is once again growing its New York City footprint, this time with the purchase of a prominent Midtown Manhattan office building from RFR Realty. The acquisition signals the tech giant’s continued commitment to maintaining and expanding a significant presence in one of the world’s leading business hubs.
While financial details of the deal have not yet been disclosed publicly, sources familiar with the transaction say Amazon has acquired the building as part of a strategic push to secure more permanent office space in Manhattan. The property, previously owned by Aby Rosen’s RFR Realty, is located in the heart of Midtown and offers Amazon a key location near major transit routes, including Grand Central Terminal and multiple subway lines.
Image Courtesy of RFR
The deal marks a noteworthy expansion for Amazon, which has steadily increased its real estate holdings in New York City despite challenges in the broader office market. This latest acquisition follows the company’s earlier investments in Manhattan and Long Island City, including its 2018 lease at the historic Lord & Taylor building on Fifth Avenue, which was later converted into a major office hub.
Amazon’s move comes at a time when many tech companies are reassessing their office needs. While some firms have scaled back or subleased space in response to remote and hybrid work trends, Amazon has maintained its commitment to in-person collaboration and long-term office planning. The company has continued hiring in New York and views the city as a key market for both its corporate and technology operations.
The newly acquired Midtown building is expected to house a mix of Amazon teams, including roles in advertising, cloud computing, and corporate services. The space may also support Amazon Web Services (AWS) operations, a growing division of the company that has seen significant demand across enterprise and government sectors.
RFR Realty, known for owning and operating some of Manhattan’s most iconic buildings, had reportedly been exploring options for the property amid a changing office landscape. The deal with Amazon not only allows RFR to offload a valuable asset but also signals confidence in the future of Midtown’s commercial core.
Amazon’s continued investment in New York also reinforces the city’s resilience as a business destination. Despite a post-pandemic shift in how and where people work, New York remains a central hub for finance, media, and technology. Major companies like Meta, Google, and Apple have all expanded their real estate holdings in recent years, further cementing Manhattan’s role in the global economy.
As Amazon integrates the newly acquired building into its broader New York operations, the purchase is expected to create additional employment opportunities and support surrounding businesses. While office market uncertainty continues in some parts of the country, Amazon’s latest move in Midtown is a clear signal of long-term confidence in the city.