IBM Unveils New Flagship Office at One Madison Avenue: Signaling a New Era in New York’s Tech Landscape
New York, September 6, 2024 — IBM has officially inaugurated its new flagship office at One Madison Avenue, a significant milestone for the global technology giant headquartered in New York. The opening ceremony was marked by speeches from prominent figures including IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. The event welcomed IBM employees, partners, and community members, celebrating the company’s continued commitment to innovation and growth in the tech industry.
A New Chapter in IBM’s Legacy
Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM, emphasized the importance of this new office in fostering collaboration and innovation, stating, "One Madison Avenue demonstrates a new chapter in the partnership between IBM and the city and state of New York. It joins a long tradition of IBM contributions to New York’s thriving technology industry, including our deep partnerships with academic and research institutions across the state. This move will allow us to bring our employees, clients, and partners together to work on exciting technologies, from enterprise AI to hybrid cloud to quantum computing."
Reinvigorating New York’s Post-Pandemic Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the significance of IBM’s new office in revitalizing the post-pandemic economy. "IBM’s new flagship office in New York is the latest sign that our post-pandemic economy is roaring back to life," she said. "Since its founding in Endicott in 1911, IBM has been synonymous with science and technology, creating thousands of jobs and boosting economic growth. Innovators, scientists, and coders from across the globe are flocking to New York, and we look forward to the next century of success."
Senator Chuck Schumer also expressed his support for IBM’s new investment, stating, "With IBM’s new office at One Madison, the future is bright for IBM, for New York City, and for our entire state. It’s a new chapter for IBM in NYC that will support thousands of jobs and contribute to the incredible growth of the tech industry in New York City. I’m proud to support IBM’s new investments to reimagine this wonderful, historic building and position New York to be a leader in innovation. I will work relentlessly to make New York City—and all of our state—a leading hub for AI, semiconductor chips, quantum computing, and more."
Commitment to New York’s Future
New York City Mayor Eric Adams praised IBM’s ongoing commitment to the city, saying, "New York City’s economy is stronger than ever, and we’re creating more jobs and opportunities for New Yorkers every single day. With yet another global-leading company doubling down on its commitment to New York City, we are continuing to build the foundation for a more prosperous, equitable, and affordable future for New Yorkers across the five boroughs. Thank you to IBM for your belief in our city, and congratulations on this opening."
Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, added, "IBM as a company has been the anchor of New York City’s fastest-growing industry – the tech sector – our greatest source of new talent. The company has played a huge role in the positive trajectory of the city and they are an important source of support to all our member companies keeping New York a global commercial center. Whether it’s the work they do for our municipal government, state government, or the education system, across the board they have been the innovation center for the public sector as well as the private sector."
Innovative Workspace Design
The new IBM office spans 270,000 square feet across five floors of One Madison Avenue, a property owned and managed by SL Green Realty Corp. IBM collaborated with global architecture and design firm Gensler to create an agile, state-of-the-art workspace that fosters collaboration, productivity, and innovation. The office will house over 2,000 employees from the New York area.
The design includes an expansive street-level lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 40-foot-long Quantum Wave light sculpture, symbolizing emerging and future technologies. An escalator leads to the second-floor reception space, featuring the circular IBM "Blue Bar" that serves as a gathering space overlooking Madison Square Park. The 22,000 square-foot Innovation Studio showcases IBM’s latest technology through immersive experiences.
Adaptive Workspaces
The office features a variety of work environments to meet the evolving needs of IBM employees and future talent. These include individual zones for independent work, collaboration zones for group meetings, and community zones for socializing and relaxation. The design emphasizes flexibility and choice, catering to different work styles and preferences.
Sweeping views of the park and city are a focal point of the interior, bringing the beauty and energy of the neighborhood inside. A 25,000 square-foot outdoor terrace includes pollinator gardens with over 40 different plant species, half of which are native to the region. The LEED Gold CI certified building will utilize IBM solutions like Maximo and Envizi to track, analyze, and report sustainability progress.
A Symbol of Resilience and Innovation
Marc Holliday, Chairman and CEO of SL Green Realty Corp., remarked, "IBM is a global technology innovator leading the way in AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions. It embodies resiliency, grit, and the spirit of progress and constant transformation. One Madison Avenue tracks the history and evolution of New York City and of IBM. We couldn’t be more proud to be home to their new flagship New York City office."
Amanda Carroll, Managing Director at Gensler, added, "The One Madison Avenue workplace hub was designed as an innovation engine and community forum that will extend IBM’s legacy as a leader in New York City’s digital economy. Embedded in the heart of Manhattan’s Silicon Alley, One Madison Avenue is an empowering platform for IBM’s employees and clients to connect, create, and innovate on some of the world’s most complex technological problems."
Consolidating IBM’s Presence in New York
One Madison Avenue consolidates previously held IBM offices across New York City, bringing employees together in one centralized hub. The building is expected to achieve full occupancy by October 2024.
About IBM
IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud and AI technologies, as well as consulting expertise. The company helps clients in over 175 countries leverage data insights, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift are pivotal for digital transformations in critical infrastructure sectors like financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare. IBM’s innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting offer flexible options to clients, supported by a commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. For more information, visit IBM’s official website.
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Source: IBM
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