Leasing activity has been fast and furious throughout the W&H Properties portfolio, as more and more creditworthy companies flock to the newest portfolio members (the Empire State Building, 112 West 34th Street, 1333 Broadway, 1350 Broadway, and 1400 Broadway) while significant deals continue to close at the original portfolio members. Highlights include:

Recent Deals at the Empire State Building

"These leases are just the first steps, and they show that the Empire State Building is achieving a level of prominence in the eyes of the office and retail market it has never held before," says Stephen Eynon, first vice president, CB Richard Ellis, the leasing agent for the building. "We have several more deals nearing completion, from full to partial floors, as the market gravitates to our excellent floor-plates, 24/7 neighborhood, easy access to mass transit, and ownership's program to upgrade the office tenant experience and focus on larger, higher-credit quality businesses."

Recent Deals at 112 West 34th Street

New tenants include Xerox Corporation subsidiary Carr Business Systems, an office technology supplier that has signed a long-term lease for 16,174 square feet; and ShermansTravel, Inc., a Gannett affiliate and a leading publisher of travel specials and destination advice, which has signed a long-term lease for 8,000 square feet.

Parigi Group, a major firm in children's fashion apparel, signed a long-term expansion lease at the property - consolidating the firm's space into the entire fifth floor of 40,719 square feet.

A tenant of the property since 1982, Parigi will move into its new space in January. The firm's brands include Phat Farm Boys and Baby Phat Girlz, and it has long-term partnerships with J.Lo Girls by Jennifer Lopez, Puma Kids and Akademiks for Boys.

Recent Deals at 1400 Broadway

Two major players in the fashion industry have taken full floors at 1400 Broadway. Excelled Sheepskin & Leather Coat Corporation, which manufactures and markets licensed collections for CHAPS, Columbia Sportswear and other top brands, has leased the entire 31st floor of 14,785 square feet, where it will move in January from its current offices at 525 and 485 Seventh Avenue.

Existing tenant Jump Apparel, Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers of social occasion dresses and eveningwear, has not only renewed its lease, the firm is also expanding - into the entire second floor of 32,243 square feet.

Recent Deals at The Lincoln Building

Established in 1997, Genji Sushi Express serves the finest quality sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine. The chain's skilled chefs operate 80 sushi stations in upscale supermarkets throughout 15 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the United Kingdom.

Recent Deals at 250 West 57th Street

The Christian Science Publishing Society, publisher of the award-winning Christian Science Monitor (CSM) and several other periodicals, has relocated to the 24th floor of 250 West 57th Street, announces Barry Zeller, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield, the building's managing and leasing agent.

The office houses reporters for CSM, one of the nation's most highly regarded newspapers.

Less than two years after its original move, Mourant had more than doubled its space through an expansion. Now, through a second expansion, the firm has taken an additional 4,000 square feet, bringing its total space to nearly 12,500 square feet.

And Bear in Mind...

"We still have lots of great, efficient space available, including some large blocks and full floors with tower views, in both the original and newer members of the portfolio," says Fred C. Posniak of W&H.

"All we ask is that brokers, their clients, and prospective tenants stop by any of our buildings, anytime, and give us a chance to compete for their business."