JPMorgan Chase employees are clamouring for a miniature version of their new workplace, with a $150 LEGO-style replica of the bank's $3 billion headquarters at 270 Park Avenue selling out quickly. The model, made from repurposed LEGO bricks, became available through an internal waitlist system at the building's gift shop, according to internal communications reviewed by Business Insider.
The rush for the toy underscores the buzz generated by the 60-story skyscraper, which has become a landmark in Manhattan since opening in October and can house around 14,000 staff. The bank has been a leader in Wall Street's return-to-office push, and the new building symbolises its commitment to in-person work in New York's financial district.
Strict Purchase Process for Coveted Collectible
Acquiring the replica was a tightly controlled process. Employees had to register on an internal waitlist before 9 February. Those on the list were then given a 72-hour window, starting 26 February, to collect their set from the headquarters' internal shop, which also sells JPMorgan merchandise and other items like olive oil.
Collection required proof of identity, with employees needing to show either their JPMorgan ID, a state-issued ID, or a passport. Only the employee named on the list could collect the item during their allotted period. A source familiar with the product told Business Insider the sets sold out rapidly when the building first opened.
Secondary Market and 'Dupe' Models Emerge
The demand has already spawned a secondary market. One listing on eBay was offering what appears to be the toy for $500. The product's box states it is not an official LEGO set but is constructed from "re-used LEGO elements," and measures approximately 6.5 by 16.3 inches.
Meanwhile, other retailers are capitalising on the interest. Multiple platforms, including Walmart and Amazon, are selling similar building sets with 3,180 pieces and a slightly altered design. According to the internal screenshots, the JPMorgan waitlist is scheduled to reopen after 1 April, offering another chance for employees to purchase the official model.
A New Icon on the Skyline
The actual headquarters at 270 Park Avenue has transformed Manhattan's skyline with its LED lighting display and stands 1,388 feet tall. The building boasts an array of amenities, including multiple restaurants, a pub, a gym, and features like an ever-waving American flag.
JPMorgan representatives declined to comment on the replica sets. The internal instructions noted that any leftover models from the current waitlist round would be sold on a first-come, first-served basis after 10 March.