Formerly know as Fred F. French Building
551 Fifth Avenue, known as the Fred F. French Building, is a 38-story Class A office tower prominently sited at the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and East 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Completed in 1927, this landmarked Art Deco property underwent a comprehensive historic restoration in 1994–95—earning BOMA’s Historic Building of the Year Award—and continues to deliver modern amenities, 24/7 access, and a full-service attended lobby.
Covering approximately 430,156 sf of rentable office space with floor plates varying from about 5,494 to 20,297 sf, the building is owned by French Partners LLC and professionally managed on-site. Steps from Grand Central Terminal and adjacent to multiple subway lines, 551 Fifth Avenue provides unparalleled connectivity—and now houses the National Women’s Soccer League’s new headquarters on a full floor, reflecting its strong leasing momentum.
Key Facts:
- Building Class: Class A Office building
- Location: Northeast corner of Fifth Avenue & East 45th Street, Midtown Manhattan
- Year Built: 1927
- Stories: 38
- Recent Renovation: 1994–95 historic restoration awarded BOMA’s Historic Building of the Year
- Total Square Footage: ~430,156 sf
- Typical Floor Size: 5,494–20,297 sf
- Ownership/Management: French Partners LLC; on-site professional management
- Transportation Access: Directly adjacent to Grand Central Terminal (Metro-North, 4/5/6/7/S lines) with nearby 45th Street subway entrances and multiple bus routes
- Notable Tenant: National Women’s Soccer League headquarters (21,000 sf full-floor lease)
(All pictures by Richard Plehn. Some of the information has been taken from Wikipedia)
