
Cushman & Wakefield announced today that Metropole Realty Advisors, the owner and developer
of distinctive real estate properties throughout the United States, has named a team led by
Bruce Mosler and Arthur Mirante as the exclusive office leasing agents for 681 Fifth Ave. - the
avenue's premier boutique office building.
"Arthur and I sought this assignment because the building is truly unique, including 14
foot ceilings and virtually column-free space," said Mr. Mosler, Chairman of Global
Brokerage. "Everything about this asset is world-class, from white-glove service including
a doorman and hotel-concierge, to the location and design, to the finishes and features. The
quality of the workmanship speaks for itself and is drawing the attention of the most
discerning tenants. We have a very active marketing plan underway and we are expecting strong
demand from our prospective tenants."
In addition to Mr. Mosler and Mr. Mirante, the Cushman & Wakefield agency team consists
of Cynthia Foster, Mark Mandell, David Rosenbloom and Ethan Silverstein.
Since the completion of extensive renovations in 2010, 681 Fifth Ave. has completed two
full-floor leases with leading global financial services companies. In the second half of 2010,
Vision Capital Americas LLC, the U.S. arm of London-based investment company Vision Capital,
leased the entire 14th floor. In May, Global Thematic Partners, an independent investment
management boutique launched in 2010 by Deutsche Asset Management, signed a lease for the
entire 12th floor. In addition, Metropole Realty Advisors occupies a full floor.
"We recognized an opportunity to bring the highest level of experience and the broadest
relationships to the marketing of this unique and distinctive property," said Robert
Siegel, CEO of Metropole Realty Advisors. "We think Bruce and Arthur and their team will
get this new opportunity in front of the decision makers at global financial firms, and once
seen, the product speaks for itself. We very much look forward to working with them."
Located between 53rd and 54th Street, 681 Fifth Avenue is the premier boutique office
building on Fifth Avenue in the Plaza District. Notably, it was the original home of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art and is located half a block from the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).
Designed by renowned architects McKim, Meade & White, the building offers unusually high
14-foot ceilings and expansive windows more than eight-feet high (and some 15 feet wide) with
expansive views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park.
Metropole Realty Advisors recently completed an extensive $20 million interior and exterior
building renovation, aiming to preserve and accentuate its historic pedigree and distinguishing
features while integrating the most modern of design elements, including glass partitions,
energy efficient windows, imported high-end finishes and fixtures. The building also offers
concierge and white-glove service.
Originally built in 1912, the building has been completely upgraded with an entirely new
infrastructure and building systems, including modernized with a new façade, new lobby and
elevators, new operable windows, new bathrooms on each floor and new mechanicals, including a
new heating and ventilation system, as well as electrical, telecommunications and security
systems.
The architect for the base building renovation was SLCE Architects, which has designed
exclusive and prominent properties including 15 Central Park West and the Bloomberg Tower. MKDA
has designed the pre-built units that have been completed by Metropole.
The renovated office space, which totals 62,000 square feet, features oversized windows on
three sides of the building with expansive natural light. The top three floors of the 18-story
building have windows on all four sides with direct Central Park views. The signature feature
of the property is a two-level penthouse, connected by a private staircase, which offers a
30-foot atrium and a large terrace overlooking Central Park and a 600 square foot garden. That
space remains available exclusively for a single tenant, as do naming rights for the
building.
Metropole Realty Advisors specializes in luxury retail real estate acquisitions,
development, brokerage and construction in premier markets throughout the United States,
including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Florida, Hawaii and San Francisco.
Metropole's primary focus is obtaining the most sought-after retail locations for the tenants
it represents or acquisition for its own account. In addition, the principals of Metropole
Realty Advisors have worked as advisors to the world's leading retail tenants and developers
for more than 30 years. Metropole's principal Mr. Siegel developed the LVMH Tower at 17-21 East
57th Street. Completed in 1998, the LVMH Tower was designed by Christian de Portzamparc and is
currently tenanted by Christian Dior.
For more information and property photos visit www.681Fifth.com.
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