BNP Paribas announced the official opening of its redesigned office building at 787 7th Avenue in New York City. The 54-story skyscraper, built in 1986 and designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes, was formerly named the Equitable Center and now displays the “BNP Paribas” name over the main entrance, as well as prominent signage across the exterior and interior marking the occasion. The rebranding of the building coincides with the Bank’s signing of a new 20-year lease in 2021 as part of a broader reorganization of its regional presence and a demonstration of its commitment to New York City as its regional hub.
The building is in the final phase of a three-year renovation led by global architecture, design, and planning firm, Gensler. The new lobby and modern offices are at the leading edge of how the bank sees the future of work and positions the building as a ‘destination’ where community, culture and technology will come together. The evolution of the new space will encourage inclusivity, natural interactions and have flexible workspaces for staff to collaborate and entertain clients. The redesigned office is a “home away from home” for the Bank’s employees to create and tailor best-in-class platforms and products for clients, and includes upgraded employee common spaces, client hospitality areas and workspace floors.
The location will house over 2,300 employees from the Bank’s core CIB business lines, including Global Markets, Global Banking, and Securities Services. Several BNP Paribas businesses previously housed in other locations around NYC will also be moving into the midtown building, including Exane US, the award-winning research group BNP Paribas recently completed purchasing.
As a leader in sustainability, BNP Paribas ensured the newly redesigned building received LEED Gold Certification, a green building certification program used worldwide. BNP Paribas is also undertaking the WELL Certification, a standard used when building occupants implement features that help support and advance human health and wellness. Benefits range from promoting movement by walking or taking the stairs, healthy eating, providing occupants with outdoor views, adjustable lighting, improved audial comfort, filtered air and close access to hydration stations, all of which are verified by performance testing or sensor output.
As BNP Paribas continues to pursue and execute on its growth ambitions in the Americas region, the 787 7th Avenue building will integrate seamlessly with the Bank’s other campuses in Jersey City, NJ, and Chesterbrook, PA, each with their own strong identity. The three U.S. locations are key to the Group’s long-term plans, which includes a significant and growing presence in Montreal, Canada, one of the region’s near-shoring centers. The Bank also has a presence in San Francisco, CA, Denver, CO, and Boston, MA.
Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA, said: “I’ve spent the majority of my career in the 787 7th Avenue office, and am excited that BNP Paribas and my colleagues will get to spend the next 20 or more years in this great building. Our newly upgraded premises speak to our continuity of presence and growth ambitions in the Americas, as well as a testament that the US remains a critical market for our group. I want to thank all involved, including our local and state representatives, the architects, and of course our staff, who have spent many hours making today’s launch happen.”
José Placido, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Americas at BNP Paribas, commented: “We are today unveiling our new, cutting-edge regional headquarters, where we’ve etched our name in stone over the main entrance. This office is the anchor in our network of area buildings and something every BNP Paribas employee can be proud of, as well as look forward to working in. These offices are also the ideal place to keep providing our many clients and the community with best-in-class service, while being the benchmark for workplace efficiency, well-being and positive employee experiences.”
Laurent Lisimachio, Design Director and Principal at Gensler, said: “We are excited to help deliver a reimagined headquarters for BNP Paribas employees that inspires them to do their best work with access to active lifestyle amenities, including modern spaces with the latest IT technology and connectivity. There are many adjacent pantries offering healthy food options, a coffee bar, dining areas, and lounges. The evolution of BNP Paribas’ workspace encourages inclusivity, increases natural interactions among coworkers, and provides flexible workspaces where staff can meet and exchange ideas. The new workspaces facilitate a real sense of community and is conducive to creative collaboration.”
View the full release with images here.