Avison Young announced the completion of an 18,500 s/f sublease for Civic Hall, a project of Personal Democracy Media, at 156 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s Flatiron District.
The Avison Young team of principal Martin Cottingham, senior vice president Anthony LoPresti and associate James Lizmi represented Personal Democracy Media in the transaction.

The organization has now officially taken occupancy of its space at 156 Fifth Avenue, owned by HRC Corporation.
As an independent media company focused on the intersection of politics and technology, Personal Democracy Media has developed Civic Hall as a community center and event space for civic innovation.
“Personal Democracy Media came to Avison Young in search of a space that could provide the organization with flexibility, while at the same time offering a dynamic location within a key cultural hub of New York City,” said Cottingham.
“We were able to meet both of these requirements, securing a space in one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods that also allowed for accommodating sublease terms.”
156 Fifth Avenue is a pre-war building which offers tenants a fusion of modern space, cultural relevance and historical design.
“The key to finding the right space in New York is working with a team that not only fully knows the market but also take the time to understand the specific detailed needs of their client,” said Andrew Rasiej, founder of Personal Democracy Media.
“If it wasn’t for Avison Young, we would still be looking for space instead of happily occupying our amazing new facility at 156 Fifth.”
The property comprises 13 floors made up of 220,000 s/f close to major subway lines and PATH trains.