Thank you tenants, thank you brokers! We're delighted to announce that in 2009, W&H leased more space throughout its portfolio – over 1.1 million square feet to credit-worthy tenants – than in any previous year.

Transactions included full floors leased to such prestigious firms as (in alphabetical order): shipping classification society ABS; ship management company Fairfield-Maxwell Services Ltd.; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC); public relations firm Gibbs & Soell; Kohl's Corporation; Li & Fung Limited, the world's leading buying agency for consumer goods; private equity firm Pine Brook Road Partners; and the law firm of Vandenberg & Felieu.

Furthermore, pre-built units within the portfolio – often leased before construction was completed – were taken by such noteworthy firms as (again, in alphabetical order): Breckenridge Financial, Community Options, inc., Federal Express, Forex New York, the French American Chamber of Commerce, The Lindsey Group, Palyon Medical Corporation and Tourmalet Advisors LP.

Retail transactions included leases to Duane Reade for its Manhattan flagship location, Chipotle Mexican Grill, La Maison du Chocolat, and Hospitality Holdings, which soon will open the high-end Empire Room cocktail lounge at the Empire State Building.

And we're entering 2010 with strong momentum. "At this point, the brokerage and tenant communities can see what we stand for," says Anthony E. Malkin, president of W&H. "They know that we deliver on our $1.25-billion program of upgrades, responsive management, and 100% commissions upon signings. They know our financial strength, which enables us to follow through on all of our obligations. Perhaps most important, though, prospective quality tenants now often know other tenants, and brokers know other brokers, with quality experiences and successful leases.

"We've clearly differentiated ourselves in the marketplace," he continues. "Our Pre-War Trophy Manhattan properties are managed to the highest standards, have state-of-the-art amenities, and exceptional locations with 24/7 pedestrian traffic near transportation hubs. All of these factors contributed to our record-breaking leasing activity in 2009, our increasingly prominent roster of credit-worthy tenants, and more than $11 million in commissions paid 100% on closing.

"We are not resting on past accomplishments, though," Mr. Malkin notes. "2009 was a great year for us. But in 2010, we want to deliver more quality space to more credit tenants and pay out more in commissions. So please give us a chance to compete for your business. "