Journal Move Imminent? News Corp. Leases Big Space in Midtown

News Corp. has leased a huge chunk of space at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, right next to its headquarters. Perhaps to make room for the arrival of the Wall Street Journal in Midtown?

Since News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch purchased The Journal in December, he has reportedly discussed moving The Journal’s newsroom from the World Financial Center to Midtown by 2009.

It was unclear exactly how Mr. Murdoch would fit the newsroom into his headquarters, between 47th and 48th streets, which is already at capacity.

The deal, announced on Tuesday, would seem to answer that question. News America Incorporated, the American business arm of News Corp., signed a 12-year lease for 83,822 square feet on floors 25 through 27 at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, bringing that building’s capacity to 99 percent.

David Levinson and David Berkey of L & L Holding Company LLC represented News Corp. in the deal. SL Green, which owns the building, was represented in-house by its executive vice president, Howard Tenenbaum, and its managing director, Gary Rosen.