Rudin Extends Seward and Kissel Lease in Manhattan

The law firm renews its commitment to One Battery Park Plaza for another 11 years.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Commercial

Isometric editorial illustration of a tiered architectural facade, representing the stability of a long-term commercial real estate lease. — Law firm Seward and Kissel has signed an 11-year lease extension for its offices at One Battery Park Plaza in Manhattan. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe the downtown office market in your area is currently heading in the right direction?

Rudin has successfully secured an 11-year lease extension with law firm Seward and Kissel at the One Battery Park Plaza office tower in New York City. This deal helps push the total occupancy rate of the 35-story building to 99 percent.

Why it matters

The extension secures a long-term anchor tenant for the office tower, reflecting stable demand for premium commercial space in Manhattan. It also follows a strong year for Rudin, which has successfully leased 260,000 square feet within the building throughout 2026.

The lease extension covers 170,112 square feet across the 19th through 24th floors of the 800,000-square-foot tower. One Battery Park Plaza has now reached a 99% occupancy rate following the transaction.

The players

Rudin

This is a prominent New York City-based real estate development and management firm that owns and operates office and residential properties.

Seward and Kissel

This is a prominent law firm specializing in corporate, financial, and commercial law with a significant presence in Manhattan.

CBRE

This is a global commercial real estate services and investment firm that provides brokerage, property management, and consulting services.

The details

Kevin Daly and Craig Panzirer represented the landlord, Rudin, in the transaction, while CBRE brokers Lewis Miller, Andrew Sussman, Cara Chayet, and Scott Sloves acted on behalf of the law firm. Seward and Kissel has maintained its presence in the 1971-constructed building since 2011.

One Battery Park Plaza was constructed in 1971.
Seward and Kissel began occupying space in the building in 2011.
The firm contributed a donation to The Battery in 2015.
Rudin secured 260,000 square feet of total leasing in 2026.

Culture Shift

The lease renewal follows the broader post-2020 flight-to-quality trend in Manhattan office leasing, where tenants increasingly favor established, transit-adjacent assets. This move underscores the ongoing demand for premium office space that provides proximity to both financial hubs and public amenities.

For local businesses and professionals, this long-term commitment helps stabilize the immediate area around The Battery by ensuring continued foot traffic from the firm's employees. The sustained high occupancy rate at this major office building also contributes to the ongoing economic health of the neighborhood.

The takeaway

This lease renewal highlights how long-standing corporate tenants continue to anchor Manhattan's major commercial towers. Businesses looking to secure office space should prioritize buildings that demonstrate high occupancy rates and long-term investment from major firms.