A $20 million capital improvements project is now complete with eight high-speed electric elevators to transport tenants to all 20 stories of the building. A 20,000-watt electrical system installation has increased the power capacity of the building 600%, and a $1.5 million lobby renovation has created a modern entrance featuring a glass wall mural by artist John Degnan.

In addition, Starrett-Lehigh tenants have all made significant improvements within their own offices. These tenants include Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Screaming Media, Hugo Boss and Williams Communications. Martha Stewart herself is rumored to drive her Range Rover right into the building's freight elevators.

The building was acquired for $152 million in 1998 by 601 West Associates, a partnership headed by David Werner and Mark Karasick. "In only 30 months, we've taken one of Manhattan's largest office properties from losing $20,000 per day to having a rent roll of over $40 million annually." Karasick adds that shuttle bus service is provided to commuter transportation, compensating for the building's far-west address, and more "lifestyle conveniences" are planned for later this summer.