Ecko, whose brands include Ecko Unlimited, Mark Ecko Collection, Zoo York and the G-Unit Clothing Co., has headquarter space in New Jersey and approximately 55,000 sf in various locations in the Garment District. Last September in one of 2003's most notable transactions, Home Depot announced plans to open its first Manhattan location at the site and inked a deal for 108,000 sf.

"It's not that important for them to be in the Garment District," Jerome Cohen, chairman of GVA Williams parent company Williams Real Estate, owner of the site, tells GlobeSt.com. "Chelsea is improving and growing very well with new residential buildings. And there are some very substantial retailers." Cohen says the site garnered inquiries from other "large, well known" fashion-oriented companies. Though he could not discuss the financial aspects of the Ecko deal, he did say the range for space in Chelsea is $18 to $35 per sf, depending upon amenities.

The site is the former home of the one of the city's first retail stores-- Stern Bros.--and features ceiling heights of 13 ft and 17 ft throughout as well as an elaborate courtyard. "It's a very special building," Cohen adds. Ecko will occupy the second, third, fourth and sixth floors of the 12-story 28 West 23rd St. and the second through sixth floors of the six-story 40 West 23rd St. Home Depot will occupy the ground floor, mezzanine and lower level of the buildings. Other tenants include Interpublic Group of Cos., Forbes, Applied Graphics and Mattel.