Harry Blair and Sean Kearns of GVA Williams completed the transaction. GVA Williams is the exclusive leasing agent of 500 Fifth Ave. and is overseeing a major transformation of the property. Upgrades include the replacement of elevator cabs, a complete lobby renovation and an ongoing upgrade to public lavatories and corridors. Michael Liss of CB Richard Ellis represented Schlesinger Associates in the lease negotiations.
The 660,000-sf, prominent pre-war building in Grand Central's thriving commercial real estate district features exquisite landmark-quality architecture, unsurpassed views, and state-of-the-art building systems, according to a release. Developed in 1932, 500 Fifth Ave. was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates--the same architects that designed the Empire State Building.
"This latest large lease renewal and expansion by Schlesinger Associates validates that our repositioning program and the ongoing renovations are a success," Blair says. Since beginning the assignment in January 2005, the GVA Williams leasing team has been instrumental in increasing the property's rental rates, which have outperformed the building's peer group by 21%. The GVA Williams' repositioning of 500 Fifth Ave. has attracted Oxford University, Hudson Valley Bank, Ameriprise Financial Services and Dragados USA.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
