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NEW YORK CITY - AT&T Mobility has leased approximately 3,000 square feet on the ground floor of the Empire State Building for a flagship location that will open in early 2009, announces Eric Gelber, senior vice president of CB Richard Ellis, the leasing agent for the property.
The lease is yet another confirmation of the success of the ReBuilding program at the world's most famous office building, which encompasses $500 million in upgrades along with a major initiative to enhance retail opportunities at the property. The transaction also closely follows the opening of one of the nation's largest Starbucks outlets.
"Our objective was to reorganize the retail offerings at the building, " notes Mr. Gelber. "Building amenities, including food and business services, are now located on 33rd Street, while we are reserving the 34th Street side of the building for major international retailers. The AT&T and Starbucks deals are fully in line with this objective. "
The AT&T Mobility store will sell a wide range of communications services and products.
Steven Baker of Winick Realty represented AT&T in the lease negotiations. Andrew Goldberg and Matthew Chmielecki of CB Richard Ellis represented the landlord, along with Mr. Gelber.
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Office Building. With new investments in infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world.
Upgrades - planned and completed - include a strategic repurposing of the ground floor retail mix and a comprehensive restoration of the Empire State Building's art deco lobby and ceiling. A new messenger center, modernization of the building's systems, new restrooms, air-conditioned public corridors, and new, improved multi-layered security systems comprise some of the building's contemporary amenities.
All 65 marble elevator cabs have been refurbished and the building's 6,500 windows have been replaced, increasing the Empire State Building's energy efficiency and earning it a coveted "Energy Star " designation.
The Empire State Building is part of the W&H Properties portfolio. Broker commissions are paid in full at lease signing.
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