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Uniqlo Seizes Control of Its Fifth Avenue Flagship in New York

By Columbus International,8 August 20249 November 2024

Japanese apparel titan Uniqlo is doubling down on its New York City presence, announcing a deal to take full ownership of its flagship store on Fifth Avenue. The move underscores a broader trend among major retail brands seeking to control their own real estate in the world’s premier shopping district.

Uniqlo is executing a two-part transaction to acquire the property. First, the company is buying out the stake held by a retail joint venture between Vornado Realty Trust and an unnamed partner. Vornado, which owns a 52% interest in the venture, will net $340 million from the sale of its portion.

Uniqlo is then purchasing the remainder of the property from Brookfield Properties, which owns the larger 39-story office building at 660 Fifth Avenue that houses the Uniqlo store. Terms of the Brookfield deal were not disclosed.

The transactions, expected to close by Q1 2025, underscore Uniqlo’s confidence in the long-term prospects of its New York flagship. The 90,732-square-foot store, located between 52nd and 53rd Streets, has been a crucial driver of the brand’s U.S. expansion since opening in 2011.

Uniqlo’s move follows a string of high-profile retail real estate plays on Fifth Avenue. Luxury giants Prada and Kering have also recently purchased properties along the iconic shopping corridor, seeking greater control over their flagship store experiences.

For Vornado, the sale allows the real estate investment trust to pay down $390 million in preferred equity on the 666 Fifth Avenue property. The REIT will retain ownership of several other retail assets along Fifth Avenue through its joint venture.

The transactions come as New York’s retail market shows signs of a post-pandemic rebound, bolstered by a resurgence in tourism and office occupancy. Vornado reported a rise in its New York retail occupancy rate to 77% in the second quarter, up from 75% a year earlier.

Uniqlo’s strategic real estate play underscores the brand’s long-term confidence in the Big Apple. By owning its marquee Fifth Avenue location outright, the company positions itself for continued growth in the world’s premier shopping destination.

Source: CoStar News
Photo via Unsplash | Yoav Aziz

Midtown Manhattan Skyscraper Sells for Staggering 97% Discount

By Columbus International,2 August 2024

In a transaction that has sent shockwaves through New York’s real estate market, a nearly one-million-square-foot office tower in Midtown Manhattan has been sold for a mere fraction of its previous value. The sale underscores the dramatic shift in the commercial real estate landscape post-pandemic.

Key Details:

Location: 135 W. 50th St., Midtown Manhattan
Sale Price: $8.5 million
Previous Purchase Price (2006): $332 million
Discount: Approximately 97%

The 23-story glass tower, occupying half a city block, was auctioned off on Wednesday for just $8.5 million. This represents a staggering 97% markdown from the $332 million its previous owners paid in 2006, according to The New York Times.

Market Impact: Industry experts are struggling to recall a comparable discount in recent memory. The sale highlights the severe impact of remote work trends on commercial real estate valuations in major urban centers.

Property Background:

Built in 1963
Recently renovated
Ground floor houses the Urban Hawker Singapore-style market (opened 2022)
Former tenants included Zales, New York Telephone Company, and Sports Illustrated
Current occupancy rate: 35%

Challenges Facing the Property:

High vacancy rate (65%)
Mid-block location with suboptimal natural light
Relatively low ceilings
Scattered tenant occupancy
Limited potential for residential conversion

David Sturner, son of the developer who sold the property in 2006, commented to The New York Times, “What’s shocking is how fast the valuations dropped now that we’ve seemingly reached bottom, or close to it.”

Financial Complexities: It’s worth noting that the building’s previous owner, UBS, had sold the land beneath the structure to Safehold for $285 million in 2019. This land sale should be factored into any analysis of the overall financial impact for UBS.

The Auction Process: The property was listed on Ten-X, a two-day real estate auction website, after previous attempts to sell had failed. Steven Jacobs, president of the auction site, revealed UBS’s mindset: “We need to sell this quick, we’ve kind of made peace with this is gonna be a big loss. We need to sell it and we need to move on.”

This sale serves as a stark indicator of the challenges facing commercial real estate in major urban centers as the market continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving work patterns.

Source: New York Post

Jennifer Lopez Cashes Out: Manhattan Penthouse Sells for $23 Million After 7-Year Listing

By Columbus International,31 July 20249 November 2024

Pop icon and business mogul Jennifer Lopez has finally unloaded her Manhattan penthouse, netting $23 million in a long-awaited deal that closes a protracted chapter in her real estate portfolio. The sale of the Madison Square Park property, confirmed by city records, comes seven years after the multi-hyphenate star first listed it on the market.

The luxurious duplex, situated at 21 E. 26th St., spans an impressive 6,540 square feet. Boasting four bedrooms and 6½ bathrooms, the property’s true crown jewel is its expansive outdoor space—nearly 3,000 square feet spread across four terraces on two levels. This urban oasis features unique amenities including a croquet pitch, a landscaped roof deck, and a putting green, offering a rare combination of space and privacy in the heart of New York City.

Lopez acquired the property in 2014 for $20.1 million, initially listing it in 2017 at $26.95 million. The journey to sale was marked by market fluctuations, with the penthouse appearing intermittently on listings under two separate brokerages before securing a buyer.

The penthouse resides in an exclusive six-story, neo-Georgian building housing only four units. Notable neighbors include Chelsea Clinton and her family, who occupy the floor below. The building has attracted other high-profile residents, including four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and media mogul Dan Abrams.

Architectural highlights of the Lopez residence include soaring 12-foot-6-inch ceilings, pristine white oak floors, and a private keyed elevator opening into a great room adorned with a skylight and Palladian-style windows. The main floor showcases a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, complete with a breakfast bar and two wine fridges capable of storing over 100 bottles. A guest wing featuring three en-suite bedrooms rounds out this level.

The upper floor houses the primary suite, boasting two spa-like bathrooms, a spacious dressing room, and two private terraces. A media room with terrace access adds to the penthouse’s entertainment appeal.

This high-profile real estate transaction coincides with recent speculation about Lopez’s personal life, including rumors of relationship changes with Ben Affleck. As Lopez closes this chapter in her New York real estate holdings, industry watchers are keen to see where the savvy businesswoman and entertainer will invest next.

The sale, which went into contract in April and closed on Monday, was first reported by the Real Deal. It marks a significant move in the luxury real estate market, showcasing the enduring appeal of prime Manhattan properties despite recent market challenges.

As Lopez continues to make headlines in both her professional and personal spheres, this sale underscores her status not just as an entertainment icon, but as a shrewd player in the high-stakes world of New York real estate.

Source: New York Post
Photo: Brown Harris Stevens

Manhattan’s Retail Renaissance: Storefronts Surge Despite Economic Headwinds

By Columbus International,26 July 2024

In a striking display of resilience, Manhattan’s retail sector is experiencing a robust revival, according to a recent report from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). The first half of 2024 has seen a surge in storefront activity, particularly in the small to mid-sized market, with the food and beverage industry leading the charge.

This resurgence comes as welcome news to a city still grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic. Despite rents hovering 20% to 30% below pre-COVID levels, demand for retail spaces remains strong, driven by a potent combination of rebounding tourism and the gradual return of office workers.

Keith DeCoster, REBNY’s director of market data and policy, notes, “Surging tourism invigorated Manhattan retail in 2022 and 2023.” This trend shows no signs of slowing, with New York City cementing its position as a top destination for sports tourism, bolstered by events like the 2024 Cricket World Cup.

The retail landscape is evolving, with savvy businesses adapting to new market realities. As prime locations in SoHo and Madison Avenue become scarce, retailers are exploring opportunities in less traditional corridors. The Penn District and Avenue of the Americas are benefiting from increased office activity, while residential neighborhoods like the Upper East and West Sides are seeing an influx of diverse businesses, from apparel stores to comedy clubs.

However, the recovery is not uniform across the borough. Times Square, once the beating heart of New York’s tourist economy, continues to struggle. DeCoster cautions, “Tourism and return to office remain below pre-Covid peaks, and lagging neighborhoods and pockets of vacancy underscore the reality that retail businesses still face significant obstacles.”

The city is not standing idle in the face of these challenges. Initiatives like the City of Yes: Economic Opportunity plan aim to streamline zoning and ordinances, potentially accelerating the filling of vacant storefronts and revitalizing streetscapes.

As Manhattan’s retail sector navigates this complex landscape, one thing is clear: the borough’s legendary resilience and adaptability are once again on full display. With continued innovation and support, New York’s storefronts are poised to write the next chapter in the city’s enduring retail story.

Italian Luxury Retailer Luisaviaroma Makes Bold U.S. Debut in Manhattan’s NoHo

By Columbus International,24 July 2024

In a strategic move that underscores the resilience of high-end retail and the enduring allure of New York City, Italian luxury fashion powerhouse Luisaviaroma has unveiled its first international brick-and-mortar location in Manhattan’s trendy NoHo district.

The 11,300-square-foot flagship store, which opened its doors on Monday at 1 Bond Street, marks a significant milestone for the 95-year-old company as it expands its global footprint beyond its iconic Florence headquarters. This calculated expansion comes at a time when Manhattan’s retail landscape is showing strong signs of post-pandemic recovery, buoyed by an influx of tourists and the gradual return of office workers.

Brandon Singer, CEO and founder of Retail by MONA, the brokerage firm behind the deal, spoke to CoStar about the strategic importance of the location. “Luisaviaroma recognized the incredible momentum on Bond Street,” Singer explained. “NoHo has rapidly evolved into one of Manhattan’s most coveted and stylish neighborhoods, making it the perfect backdrop for this luxury brand’s U.S. debut.”

The prime real estate doesn’t come cheap, with an annual asking rent of $3.2 million, reflecting the premium placed on high-visibility locations in Manhattan’s luxury retail corridors. However, for Luisaviaroma, the investment appears well-calculated. CEO Tommaso Andorlini previously revealed to Women’s Wear Daily that the United States accounts for a quarter of the company’s online sales, with New York City leading as its largest market.

This brick-and-mortar expansion strategy aligns with a broader trend of digital-first retailers recognizing the value of physical stores in building brand awareness and providing immersive shopping experiences. For Luisaviaroma, which has built its reputation on curating cutting-edge fashion from top designers, the New York store offers an opportunity to showcase its unique aesthetic and connect with its American customer base in a tangible way.

As Manhattan’s retail sector continues its upward trajectory, Luisaviaroma’s arrival is likely to be closely watched by industry insiders and competitors alike. It not only represents a vote of confidence in the city’s economic rebound but also signals the ongoing importance of New York as a global fashion capital.

With this bold move, Luisaviaroma is poised to capitalize on the resurgence of luxury retail and cement its position as a key player in the international fashion landscape. As the company writes its next chapter on American soil, the success of this venture could pave the way for further expansion and inspire other international brands to follow suit.

Aman New York Penthouse Acquired by Developer Vladislav Doronin for $135 Million (Source: WSJ)

By Columbus International,17 July 2024

In an unexpected turn of events, Russian-born billionaire Vladislav Doronin has purchased the crown jewel of his own development, the penthouse at Aman New York, for $135 million. This revelation comes five years after Doronin initially claimed an Asian buyer would acquire the property for $180 million.

The luxurious penthouse, occupying the top five floors of the historic Crown Building, boasts approximately 13,236 square feet of interior space and an additional 4,462 square feet of outdoor areas. Featuring seven bedrooms, the unit was sold in unfinished condition, allowing for customization by its new owner.

Doronin’s OKO Group spearheaded the conversion of the 1920s Crown Building, transforming its upper floors into 22 exclusive condominium units. The project, which began sales in 2018 and completed in 2022, has now sold out entirely. Notable transactions include a 24th-floor residence closing for $61.58 million in February and a 20th-floor unit selling for $75.8 million in 2022.

At 61, Doronin already possesses an impressive real estate portfolio, including homes in Miami Beach, London, Ibiza, and a Zaha Hadid-designed residence near Moscow. In 2019, he expressed interest in acquiring a unit at Aman New York, citing a desire for amenities like a fireplace and terrace that his Time Warner Center apartment lacked.

While it’s not uncommon for developers to invest in their own projects, Doronin’s acquisition stands out for its scale and price tag. Sources familiar with the deal indicate that an earlier agreement with an Asian buyer for a fully built-out unit fell through, explaining the difference between the initial $180 million figure and the final $135 million sale price for the raw space.

Doronin acknowledged in 2019 that he was entering a saturated market for ultra-luxury condos, particularly along Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row. However, he remained confident in the project’s unique appeal, stating his hope that it would “fly above the clouds” in New York’s competitive real estate landscape.

The developer’s bold move reflects his belief in the project’s value, echoing his 2019 statement: “If you don’t take a risk, you don’t drink champagne.”

As of now, neither Doronin nor Aman representatives have responded to requests for comment on this significant transaction.

Source: WSJ

Photo via Aman New York

New York City’s Multifamily Market Shows Signs of Recovery

By Columbus International,9 July 2024

Despite persistently high interest rates, New York City’s multifamily real estate market is experiencing a resurgence. Developers and investors are regaining confidence in the city’s political landscape, leading to a notable increase in transaction activity.

After a significant drop in late 2023 and early 2024, multifamily development site transactions across the five boroughs have rebounded. June 2024 saw a particularly strong wave of activity, with multifamily property sales reaching approximately $2.6 billion for the second quarter. This figure represents a threefold increase from the first quarter of 2024, according to Ariel Property Advisors.

The market’s revival can be attributed to two key political developments: Albany’s passage of a new housing deal in April and the progress of Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes plan. These initiatives have bolstered investor confidence and stimulated deal volume for both development sites and existing buildings.

Daniel Ridloff, managing director for real estate credit at Scale Lending, noted, “There’s a plethora of opportunities in many different New York City submarkets that are now looking for financing. All these projects that were shelved are now off the shelf.”

The multifamily market’s recent history reveals a volatile trajectory. In the second quarter of 2023, multifamily sales in New York City totaled $3.1 billion. This figure plummeted to $646 million in Q4 2023 before slightly recovering to $858 million in Q1 2024. The recent surge in activity, including notable deals like Breaking Ground’s $172 million Upper East Side acquisition, has driven the quarterly volume up by approximately 201%.

Helen Hwang, head of institutional investment sales at Meridian Capital Group, highlighted the impact of recent legislative changes, particularly regarding Good Cause Eviction. She explained, “Investors now understand how to underwrite deals,” due to increased clarity on the issue.

Two factors are driving renewed interest in development site deals: an extension of the expired 421-a tax break through 2031 for previously approved projects, and the introduction of the 485-x program as a successor to 421-a.

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Permit filings for new apartment units have continued to decline, with only 36 multifamily building permits filed in May 2024. However, Justin Pelsinger, chief operating officer at Charney Cos., sees potential in sites with 421-a extensions, noting an increase in broker activity for these properties.

As New York City’s multifamily market shows signs of recovery, industry players are cautiously optimistic about future growth and development opportunities in the sector.

Source: Bisnow

Manhattan Office Market Shows Signs of Recovery as Worker Return Gains Momentum

By Columbus International,1 July 2024

In a promising turn for New York City’s commercial real estate sector, recent data suggests that the Manhattan office market is gradually regaining its pre-pandemic vigor. According to an analysis by the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), office “visitations” in May reached 74% of 2019 levels, marking a notable improvement from 70% in the same month last year.

This upward trend in office occupancy offers a glimmer of hope for property owners and investors who have grappled with the challenges posed by remote work policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data, derived from Placer.ai location information, encompasses visits to 350 office buildings, tracked through cellphone records, and includes retail traffic within these properties.

While the May figure showed a slight dip from April’s 75% due to Memorial Day weekend travel, analysts believe the overall trajectory remains positive. Keith DeCoster, REBNY’s director of market data and policy, notes that excluding the holiday weekend, May’s numbers would have surpassed those of April.

Key Takeaways:

Manhattan office visitations in May 2024 reached 74% of pre-pandemic levels.
Year-over-year improvement from 70% in May 2023 indicates steady recovery.
Data reflects both office worker return and retail traffic in office buildings.

Looking ahead, industry experts are cautiously optimistic but remain vigilant. “We will watch closely to see if visitation rates increase, hold steady or decline during the summer in line with historic behavior,” DeCoster adds.

As the New York office market continues to evolve, stakeholders will be keenly observing these trends. The gradual return to office spaces could have far-reaching implications for the city’s economy, from local businesses that rely on office worker foot traffic to the valuation of commercial real estate assets.

For investors and business leaders, this data provides valuable insights into the changing dynamics of urban work environments and may inform strategic decisions regarding office space utilization and real estate investments in the post-pandemic era.

Iconic Four Seasons New York to Reopen After Billionaire Owner and Management Reach Agreement

By Columbus International,26 June 2024

In a significant turn of events for New York City’s luxury hospitality sector, the Four Seasons Hotel New York is set to reopen its doors this September, ending a four-year hiatus that began with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening comes after a protracted negotiation between the hotel’s owner, billionaire Ty Warner—best known as the creator of Beanie Babies—and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, the property’s management company.

Sources close to the matter reveal that a key factor in breaking the impasse was the decision to convert approximately 50 of the hotel’s 368 rooms into residential apartments. This strategic move is expected to generate substantial maintenance fees from full-time residents, helping to offset the hotel’s operating costs and address Warner’s concerns about profitability.

The dispute between Warner and Four Seasons centered on the fee structure and operational expenses of the iconic property, which Warner acquired in 1999 for $275 million. The Beanie Babies tycoon had reportedly been pushing for a profit-linked fee model, arguing that the existing arrangement was unsustainable given the hotel’s financial performance.

While the exact terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the resolution appears to be mutually beneficial. Four Seasons will retain management of the property, maintaining its presence in one of the world’s most competitive luxury hotel markets. Meanwhile, Warner stands to benefit from the potential real estate play and a more favorable operational model.

The reopening of the Four Seasons New York is likely to have a ripple effect on the city’s high-end hospitality sector. As one of the most expensive hotels in New York, its return signals renewed confidence in the luxury travel market and could spark further investment in the segment.

However, challenges remain. The hotel still needs to reach an agreement with the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the powerful union representing hospitality workers. Labor disputes have been a significant hurdle in the property’s path to reopening, with former employees having filed lawsuits over wages and severance pay.

The resolution also extends beyond New York. As part of the agreement, Warner and Four Seasons have committed to reopening the Biltmore Santa Barbara, another luxury property that has been closed since the pandemic began. This California hotel is slated to welcome guests again in spring 2025.

As the Four Seasons New York prepares for its September reopening, the hospitality industry will be watching closely. The success of this high-profile property could serve as a bellwether for the luxury hotel market’s post-pandemic recovery and potentially set new trends in hotel ownership and management structures.

For Ty Warner, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $3.8 billion, the reopening represents a significant milestone in his real estate portfolio. For Four Seasons, it marks the revival of one of its flagship properties in a key global market. And for New York City, it signals another step towards normalcy in its vital tourism and hospitality sectors.

Source: Curbed and New York Post

Photo via Four Seasons New York

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas saying goodbye to ritzy $12M New York estate

By Columbus International,21 June 2024

Hollywood A-listers Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas are waving goodbye to their posh Hudson River estate, slapping a cool $12 million price tag on their Westchester County palace.

Nestled in the ritzy village of Irvington, a mere 20 miles from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, this gated oasis sprawls over a luxurious 12 acres. The stunning property, snatched up by Zeta-Jones for $4.5 million in 2019, has seen its fair share of star-studded soirées, including a recent campaign bash for President Biden, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the listing.

The “Wednesday” star, 54, reflected on their time in the mansion with fondness. “When I purchased our Irvington home I knew our family would share many happy times here, and we have!” she told the Journal, adding that with both of their kids now having flown the coop, the timing feels “right” for a sale. “Michael and I plan to spend more time in Bermuda and Europe,” she revealed, citing work commitments pulling them overseas.

The couple has a home in Bermuda that has been listed for sale in the past. Made up of eight bedrooms and 12 baths, their upstate estate is steeped in history, boasting 130 feet of prime river frontage once owned by Charles Lewis Tiffany of Tiffany & Co. fame, as well as the Matthiessen sugar dynasty. The current Georgian-style stunner, dating back to the 1920s, spans a whopping 12,000 square feet with grand columns and an elegant brick-and-stone façade. A 100-foot terrace offers idyllic river views. Inside, the splendor continues with a two-story, oak-paneled library, an indoor pool, and a kitchenette on the lower level that opens to a picturesque terrace. The power couple has tastefully updated the mansion while preserving its original charm, blending formal and casual spaces seamlessly.

“There’s a blend of formal and informal rooms,” listing agent David Turner of Compass added. “There’s a family room next to the kitchen, which many of these old mansions don’t have.” The estate is a stone’s throw from Irvington’s charming main street, bustling with shops and restaurants and offering a quick train ride to Manhattan. “Longmeadow is a spectacular property — a true Hudson River estate. The owner has done a masterful job in renovating the house in a cool, comfortable and modern aesthetic that preserves its original grandeur and integrity,” Turner told The Post.

Five of the bedrooms come with ensuite bathrooms. The Oscar-winning duo, who previously resided in nearby Bedford, have a knack for lucrative real estate flips. Zeta-Jones sold their Bedford home for a staggering $20.5 million after buying it for $11.25 million. Douglas, meanwhile, once listed their Central Park West pad for $21.5 million.