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Zeller's Top Tips for the
Arts & Entertainment District |
| Restaurants: |
Per Se, Carnegie Deli |
| Amenities: |
Chase Bank, Duane Reade |
| Supermarket: |
Whole Foods |
| Cultural Venue: |
Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center |
| Picnic Locale: |
Central Park |
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A lot has changed at 250 West 57th Street over the last two years. The building became part of the W&H portfolio, and a $35-million-dollar capital improvement program (now nearly completed) was launched. Meanwhile, there were significant changes in the neighborhood. The openings of the Time Warner Center and Random House's new world headquarters, and the construction of the Hearst Building addition, all have given a major boost to local business and attracted new companies to the area, particularly within the media and entertainment industry. Consequently, office demand has increased, and retail businesses are thriving.
Throughout this time, Barry Zeller, an executive director at Cushman & Wakefield and a seventeen- year veteran in real estate, has kept the building's leasing and operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Mr. Zeller supervises the building's leasing staff, a role that involves showing space, negotiating proposals with tenants (or their brokers) who wish to move into the building, and working closely with tenants who either wish to renew or expand their space. He also helps to raise awareness of the W&H brand within the brokerage community.
As an agent for the ownership, Mr. Zeller serves as a liaison between tenants and ownership, a responsibility that he greatly enjoys. As Mr. Zeller explains, "By meeting and interacting with tenants, I have the opportunity to provide a personal touch."
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250 West 57th Street
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This hands-on approach employed by Mr. Zeller and his staff has had positive results. For example, the team leased over 125,000 square feet in 2004. "Since we took over from the previous management," Mr. Zeller notes, "relations with tenants have improved dramatically. They know that if problems arise, we will respond immediately as a team."
The strong relationship between management and tenants became especially important during the height of the building's renovations. Mr. Zeller recalls, "We helped tenants understand that the end results of the improvements would far outweigh the minor and temporary inconveniences caused by construction."
Even though the renovations are nearly complete, tenant relations are still very much a priority for Mr. Zeller and his staff. "Our ongoing mission," he says, "is to create an atmosphere where tenants recognize that there is an 'open door' policy with the building staff and are confident that the building will continue to provide the level of service expected at a first class property."
This mission is also a cornerstone of the W&H brand, which is garnering greater recognition among brokers and tenants. "250 West 57th Street has a lot of selling points for any size tenant," says Mr. Zeller. "The immediate availability of high-end pre-built suites, the location, and the upgrades to our infrastructure make this building a popular destination.
"We've come a long way," he concludes. "250 West 57th Street is the neighborhood standout, and we intend to keep it that way."
