Semafor Signs New Office Lease in NYC SoHo
The media firm is moving to a 12,000-square-foot space at 495 Broadway just four blocks from its current office.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Commercial
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Media outlet Semafor has signed a new lease for 12,000 square feet of office space at 495 Broadway in the SoHo neighborhood. The company is relocating four blocks north from its current headquarters at 394 Broadway.
Why it matters
This move highlights the ongoing demand for office space in historic SoHo properties, which often feature distinct architectural characteristics like high ceilings.
Semafor will occupy 12,000 square feet at 495 Broadway, a property currently listed with asking rents of $100 per square foot. The move relocates the firm four blocks north of its previous space.
The players
Semafor
A media company currently relocating its office headquarters within SoHo.
WB Property Group
The commercial real estate firm that owns the property at 495 Broadway.
Okada & Company
A commercial real estate services firm that represented the tenant in this lease.
JLL
A global commercial real estate services company that represented the landlord.
The details
The new office is located in an eight-story building originally constructed in 1893. The space features ceiling heights between 12 and 15 feet, distinguishing it from modern high-rise office towers. Semafor was represented in the transaction by Okada & Company, while JLL represented the building owner, WB Property Group.
Timeline
1893: The construction of the eight-story building at 495 Broadway was completed.
Money Landscape
This move reflects a sustained interest among creative and media firms for historic office stock in lower Manhattan. The move aligns with broader office market trends favoring historical, high-ceiling commercial spaces over traditional office districts.
For business owners, this transaction signals consistent interest in SoHo commercial properties that offer high-ceiling character space. Decisions regarding commercial leases should be discussed with a qualified real estate professional to understand current market asking rates.
The takeaway
The relocation of a media firm highlights the premium placed on historic properties with distinct floor layouts in SoHo. Business tenants should monitor shifts in neighborhood asking rents to gauge their long-term lease competitiveness.
Further reading
For more on business real estate, see New York City Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Commercial Observer.
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