Employees of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Nearly one million Americans are afflicted with Parkinson's disease (PD), a chronic and progressive movement disorder. The mission of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PSF), a tenant at 1359 Broadway, is to help those who live with Parkinson's, their families and caregivers, by advancing scientific research and providing educational programs and support services.

PDF was formed in 1957 by William Black, the founder of Chock Full o'Nuts, when the controller of his company was diagnosed with PD. Mr. Black made two gifts to Columbia University- one for a research building named for him in which one entire floor is devoted to PD, and the other to endow support of research. His gift to Columbia was at the time the largest private gift to the university by a living individual.

PDF moved its headquarters to 1359 Broadway in early 2005 from Columbia University Medical Center, where it still maintains offices. "We had significantly outgrown our space at the medical center and were very cramped," says Sharon Stone, director of research and external programs for the foundation. "Our wonderful broker, Jane Roundell of CRESA Partners, searched with and for us for approximately three years! Her tireless efforts led us to 1359 Broadway, which is a perfect fit for our needs."

The prognosis for PDF's tenancy is good indeed. "Our experience at 1359 has been fantastic - a complete pleasure," Ms. Stone notes. "The entire building staff couldn't be more helpful or treat us with greater respect and consideration. We also find the location wonderfully convenient - close to Penn Station and with just about every subway line nearby."

The building management is equally pleased. "PDF is a wonderful organization," says Michael Frantz, director of Newmark, the building's managing and leasing agent. "We're delighted that its leadership chose 1359 Broadway as the site at which it carries out this very important work."

About Parkinson's Disease (PD) PD is difficult to diagnose, and is typically identified by the elimination of other possibilities. It is progressive and can be totally debilitating, but is rarely fatal. It can be treated with medication - which can cost thousands of dollars per year - and sometimes with surgery. About 10 percent of those who suffer from PD are diagnosed before the age of 50, and the incidence increases with advancing age. The most common symptoms are tremor, rigidity and stiffness, slowness of movement and postural instability in the form of balance and coordination. Sufferers are incapable of initiating and controlling movement normally, as cell deterioration reduces the production of dopamine, which controls these functions.