At Duke Properties, we’ve long believed in the resilience of New York City’s commercial real estate market. Today, that belief is not just hopeful—it’s data-backed and rising fast.
According to Placer.ai, a leading location intelligence platform, visits to NYC office buildings in April 2025 were just 5.5% below April 2019 levels. That makes New York the undisputed national leader in return-to-office momentum. For landlords, tenants, and the entire ecosystem of small businesses and workers who power our city’s economic engine, this is a moment of well-earned optimism.
A Thriving Urban Core: Midtown and Beyond
Walk through Park Avenue, Hudson Yards, or the World Trade Center campus, and you’ll feel it instantly: the heartbeat of the city is back. Streets are buzzing, lobbies are full, and corner cafes are once again standing-room only during lunch breaks. That’s more than foot traffic—it’s a return to community, collaboration, and economic vitality.
Since January, Duke Properties and our peers have watched new leases and expansions from major employers—like Amazon, Amalgamated Bank, and Apple—signal a robust appetite for high-quality, well-located office space.
This isn’t just about “going back to the office”—it’s about reinvesting in the fabric of the city.
NYCs Office Comeback: Why New York Leads
While other cities still lag behind pre-pandemic office attendance by 30% or more, NYC’s strong comeback has several unique drivers:
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Iconic Infrastructure: New developments like Hudson Yards and Manhattan West offer unmatched amenities, connectivity, and prestige.
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Global Corporate Confidence: Firms see value in maintaining a flagship presence in Manhattan—the financial and cultural capital of the world.
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Talent and Tenacity: New York’s workforce remains one of the most dynamic anywhere. People want to be here, and companies want them here.
And let’s not overlook another key factor: the cultural momentum. There’s no substitute for the kind of innovation, relationship-building, and spontaneity that only in-person collaboration offers—especially in a city like New York.
Real Momentum, Real Numbers
Placer.ai’s 2025 findings not only validate what we’re seeing on the ground but also counter outdated narratives. For too long, misleading barometers underplayed NYC’s resilience. But now, it’s clear: hybrid may be here to stay, but so is the office—and New York leads the charge.
At Duke Properties, we’ve been proud to support our tenants through every phase of this return. From flexible lease arrangements to upgraded HVAC systems and modern tenant amenities, we’ve invested in making our buildings not just work-ready—but future-ready.
Looking Forward: A City That Adapts and Accelerates
As we look ahead, the message is clear: New York is back, and it’s building forward.
Whether it’s major tech firms doubling down on Midtown or boutique firms rediscovering the charm of Tribeca and Flatiron, momentum is gaining every day. The city’s commitment to office-to-residential conversions, green infrastructure, and mixed-use zoning means we’re not just returning—we’re reinventing.
For tenants, investors, and professionals across sectors, now is the moment to rediscover the unparalleled opportunity NYC offers. At Duke Properties, we remain committed to shaping that opportunity—responsibly, sustainably, and with pride.