How Two Trees Offers Growing Startups Space to Flourish

Sponsored By Two Trees Management Co.

With a vision stretching back almost half a century, Two Trees has successfully transformed Dumbo into a thriving creative/tech hub, making it one of NYC’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Created By Brownstoner LLC

Aragon Advertising’s Todd Stearn knew it was time for an office upgrade in early 2016. “We had just crammed a 13th desk into our 1,600-square-foot space in Manhattan,” he says.

Along with a clear need for more square footage, the performance marketing company desired a change in atmosphere. “We wanted to see what else was available close to the city, but with less human bustle and more green spaces,” explains Stearn.

This brought the search to DUMBO, a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood with a booming co-working community on the East River in Brooklyn. With 19th century factory buildings framed by lush parks and expansive views of water and sky, DUMBO is refreshing and unlike any other neighborhood in New York City.

In deciding on an address for his growing business, Stearn chose 45 Main Street for its enviable location on the waterfront and close proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The building is also conveniently surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafés, markets, galleries, gyms, spas and various colorful local shops.

Like Two Trees’ other commercial locations in DUMBO, 45 Main has become a spot for cutting edge firms in the creative/tech industry. Building amenities — which include shared conference rooms on every floor and state-of-the-art rooftop decks, along with flexible lease terms, customizable pre-builds and penalty-free expansions — cater to the mix of forward-thinking startups and established brands that populate Two Trees’ offices.

“The most important factors in a space are openness and comfort,” says Stearn. Also topping his list of priorities were private conference rooms for client presentations and common areas where he and his team could unwind and refuel.

Two Trees worked closely with Stearn’s team to bring the brand’s vision to life. When presented with their desired layout, which included island workstations, Two Trees suggested the Ethernet be piped and powered from the ceiling as opposed to running it along the floor. The landlord also took care of the tenant’s drywall, rerouted the ventilation, moved the lighting, and installed a wet pantry and coat closet.

To complete the job, Stearn hired an external glass company, TagWall, which Two Trees met with several times to ensure the build-out and prefabricated glass were a perfect fit.

Nine months later, Stearn and his team are happy with their relocation. “Since moving to 45 Main in October 2016 we’ve been able to add to the team consistent with our growth and are up to 19 full-time employees.”

Two Trees tenant GP Shopper has a similar story. The expanding tech startup started looking for space when their 4,000-square-foot office in SoHo began to feel cramped. Unwilling to leave Manhattan, the company would only consider leaving their SoHo stomping grounds for the buzzing Flatiron District.

GP Shopper, which creates apps for businesses and brands, was founded in 2008 with six people in 400 square feet. Searching for an office 20 times the size of their original space only eight years later meant the company’s top priority was an open floor plan with enough room to accommodate continuous growth.

A trusted broker led them to a raw 8,000-square-foot space in Two Trees’ commercial building at 50 West 23rd Street. “It was completely gutted when we signed the lease and they [Two Trees] had to build and redo everything,” says Lauren Hand, GP Shoppers’ chief marketing officer. “It needed walls, floors, plumbing and electricity.”

Two Trees made it easy: They found the contractors, engaged with the architects, and in four months the office was ready.

The building offers a relevant mix of retail at street level, a newly renovated lobby, updated elevators, a 24/7 concierge, and a beautiful rooftop garden.

“We love the rooftop deck,” says Hand. “This is everyone’s favorite feature. We use it for group lunches together on nice days, a few of us work out there in the afternoons because it has strong Wi-Fi, and the company reserved the rooftop for an event in late June.”

Find out more about what’s going on with Two Trees by visiting their website.

Ready to relocate? Inquire about office space in DUMBO (45 Main Street, 55 Washington Street, and 20 Jay Street) and Flatiron (50 West 23rd Street) by reaching out to Two Trees’ commercial leasing team at 718-222-2500 or commercial@twotreesny.com.