Rosenberg & Estis, P.C., currently celebrating its 50th year as one of New York City’s pre-eminent real estate law firms, represented The Durst Organization on a new restaurant lease at One Bryant Park, a state-of-the-art Midtown skyscraper anchored by Bank of America.
Rosenberg & Estis Member Jolie Meer and Associate Meghan Paola negotiated a 15-year, 9,000-square-foot lease with the Momoya, which will open an elevated new Japanese restaurant concept on the ground floor featuring both indoor and outdoor dining.
“Bringing a world-class dining experience to an iconic property like One Bryant Park further positions the asset as a premier New York City destination,” said Meer. “It was a pleasure to work with The Durst Organization and the Momoya team to make this vision a reality.”
The 100%-leased One Bryant Park was the first skyscraper in North America to achieve LEED Platinum certification, ranking among the most environmentally advanced skyscrapers in the world. The 51-story office tower was conceived with the vision of creating the highest quality modern workplace emphasizing daylight, filtered air, and is located directly across from Bryant Park, one of the most popular public spaces in New York City.
The building was developed by The Durst Organization for Bank of America, and this latest transaction brings Rosenberg & Estis full circle with the property.
Rosenberg & Estis Chairman Gary Rosenberg originally worked with The Durst Organization Chairman Douglas Durst in the 1970s and 80s, assembling the site that would become the location for One Bryant Park. At that time, Durst credited the law firm for devising a structure that led to a binding agreement securing the bank’s commitment before the building was even designed, while ensuring assistance for the project from the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Jody Durst, President of The Durst Organization, commented, “When we met the team behind Momoya, we knew their vision would be a perfect fit for the Bryant Park neighborhood, one of the most in-demand office and travel destinations in New York City.”
Momoya President KwangHo Lee operates three locations of the beloved Japanese restaurant Momoya, an elevated kaiseki restaurant Kappo Sono in Union Square and three outposts of the casual sushi concept Happy Tuna. The restaurant at One Bryant Park is expected to open later this year with a new dining concept and a redesign of the space.
This was the first time since the tower was built that the ground floor restaurant space has become available, having been occupied by renowned chef Charlie Palmer for two of his restaurants over the past 16 years.
Durst was represented by in-house leasing executives Thomas Bow, Rocco Romeo and Nora Caliban. Christopher Owles of Sinvin Real Estate represented Momoya.
Meer, who has represented Durst on numerous leasing transactions at properties including VIA 57 WEST, FRANK 57 WEST, Sven and EOS Nomad added, “This world-class dining experience adds to an office tower that has redefined the standard for a superior work environment.”
About Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.
Founded in 1975, Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. is widely recognized as one of New York City’s pre-eminent real estate law firms. R&E provides full-service representation and advice in every aspect of real estate, from performing due diligence and evaluating financing, to handling joint ventures, acquisitions and leasing, construction and design team agreements, property tax exemptions and abatements, land use and zoning matters, Real Property Income & Expense (RPIE) filings, real estate tax certiorari, co-op and condo offering plan filings and board representation, distressed situations workouts, foreclosures and bankruptcies, trust and estate planning, as well as the litigations and negotiations which sometimes ensue when deal-making. R&E’s wealth of experience in New York real estate makes it the ideal thought partner for owners, developers, not-for-profit corporations, educational institutions, sponsors, equity investors and lenders in both real estate transactions and in all court venues.
