Architecture Firm Populous Expands to 17K SF at RXR’s Starrett-Lehigh Building

Why It Matters

The expanded space signals Populous’s scaling New York operations and reinforces the Starrett‑Lehigh Building’s reputation as a hub for creative and design‑focused tenants, while reflecting healthy demand for premium office space in Manhattan’s West Chelsea corridor.

Key Takeaways

• Populous adds 6,500 sf, total 16,658 sf at Starrett-Lehigh.
• Lease renewal: 3‑year extension on 10,158 sf, plus 7‑year 6,500 sf addition.
• Expansion reflects growth of architecture firm’s New York operations.
• Starrett-Lehigh rents average $82.27 per sf in Q1 2026.
• RXR highlights creative tenant mix, including Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

Pulse Analysis

Populous’s decision to expand its footprint in the Starrett‑Lehigh Building illustrates how leading design firms are consolidating their presence in Manhattan’s creative corridors. By renewing a 10,158‑square‑foot lease and tacking on an additional 6,500 sq ft, the firm now occupies nearly 17,000 sq ft on the 14th floor, a space it plans to unveil this fall. This move follows a 2023 expansion that doubled its presence in the building, reflecting both the firm’s project pipeline—such as the upcoming Kansas City Chiefs stadium—and a broader trend of architecture firms seeking larger, custom‑designed offices to showcase their capabilities.

The Starrett‑Lehigh Building, a landmarked 19‑story structure on West 26th Street, has become a magnet for high‑profile tenants in fashion, media, and design. With average asking rents of $82.27 per square foot in the first quarter of 2026, the property offers a premium yet competitive rate for firms that value proximity to the city’s cultural hubs. RXR’s portfolio strategy emphasizes a diverse, creative tenant mix, positioning the building as a live‑work showcase for innovative brands, from Diller Scofidio + Renfro to luxury reseller Fashionphile.

For Populous, the expanded and renovated space serves as both a functional hub and a branding platform, reinforcing its reputation as a global leader in sports and entertainment architecture. The larger footprint enables the firm to house multidisciplinary teams, host client presentations, and develop immersive design prototypes. As the firm competes for marquee projects like the Kansas City Chiefs stadium, a state‑of‑the‑art New York office bolsters its credibility with clients and talent alike, while also signaling confidence in the resilience of Manhattan’s premium office market.