Populous Expands and Extends Lease at Starrett-Lehigh Building

Global architecture firm reinforces long-term commitment to Manhattan property

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A minimalist studio still life featuring a sleek desk lamp, a modern pen holder, and a minimalist laptop on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract ideas of corporate strategy, finance, and design.Elegant office objects arranged in a high-end studio setting reflect the premium, design-focused nature of the Starrett-Lehigh Building's tenant community.Manhattan Today

Populous, a global architecture and design firm known for major sports and entertainment venues, has expanded and extended its lease at RXR's Starrett-Lehigh Building in Manhattan's Midtown South. The company now occupies approximately 16,500 square feet on the 14th floor, combining a lease renewal on its existing 10,000-square-foot space and a new 6,500-square-foot expansion.

Why it matters

The Starrett-Lehigh Building has attracted a diverse roster of creative and design-oriented tenants, and Populous' decision to expand and extend its presence there underscores the property's appeal to companies seeking office space that aligns with their brand and operational needs.

The details

Populous has occupied space in the Starrett-Lehigh Building for the past five years and is using the address as its New York office hub. The firm extended the term of its original 10,000-square-foot space through a three-year renewal, while also committing to an additional 6,500 square feet under a separate seven-year lease. This blends short- and medium-term commitments, increasing Populous' overall leased area at the building.

  • Populous has occupied space in the Starrett-Lehigh Building for the past five years.
  • Populous extended the term of its original 10,000-square-foot space through a three-year renewal.
  • Populous committed to an additional 6,500 square feet under a separate seven-year lease.

The players

Populous

A global architecture and design firm known for designing major sports and entertainment venues.

RXR

The real estate investment and management company that owns and manages the Starrett-Lehigh Building.

Denise Rivera

The RXR representative who handled the leasing transaction.

William Elder

The executive vice president and managing director of RXR's NYC Division.

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What they’re saying

“Populous is part of a broader community of tenants that contribute to the building's character, and we look forward to the firm's continued role within that community.”

— William Elder, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of RXR's NYC Division

The takeaway

By expanding and extending its lease at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, Populous is demonstrating its long-term commitment to maintaining a presence in Manhattan's Midtown South, a neighborhood that continues to attract creative and design-oriented companies seeking office space that aligns with their brand and operational needs.