Mr. Rechler, chief executive of RXR Realty LLC, is betting that Midtown, where leasing has slowed in the past 18 months, will regain its status as New York's most desirable office district when the economy picks up and more old-guard companies look for extra space and as rent in the trendy hot spots grows more expensive.

WSJ: Midtown New York Push

The moment of transition, with the side losing the ball caught off-guard, is the point when space is most easily found.

BBC: At what point is a game of football won and lost?

In the cut-throat world of talent representation, the common space might alienate high-wattage clients, who closely guard their privacy.

WSJ: How Garage Stymied Hollywood Super Agent

He observed himself becoming neurotically possessive about his little space, at times putting his life in jeopardy by flying into a rage if a guard happened to step on his bed.

NEWYORKER: Hellhole