Big move for Meredith

In one of the largest new leases of the year, Meredith Corp., the publisher of Better Homes & Gardens and Ladies’ Home Journal, has clinched a deal to move its New York offices into 213,000 square feet at 805 Third Ave.

The move into nine floors of the Charles S. Cohen-owned tower at East 49th Street will enable Meredith to “bring together our New York-based employees under one roof,” Meredith’s consumer magazine president, Tom Harty, told employees in an e-mail.

Sources said the lease is for more than 10 years and the asking rent was in the mid-$50s per square foot. Cohen declined to comment, as did Cushman & Wakefield, which represented both sides.

The good news for Meredith employees may also help spur Manhattan’s stalled office-leasing market.

Des Moines, Iowa-based Meredith currently occupies space at 125 Park Ave. and 375 Lexington Ave. The media giant will have slightly less square footage at its new home, but the consolidation will provide greater efficiency.

The move is to be completed by late next year.

It is expected to use the new location to expand broadcast facilities for operations including Better TV and Meredith Video Studios.