W&H: Mr. Gronich and Mr. Zuckerman, you recently negotiated a lease for the entire 49th floor and half of the 50th floor of One Grand Central Place to Pine Brook Road Partners, a private equity firm. Why did you decide to show the firm this space?

DG: We knew that the building benefits from high-quality ownership. Also, many of the firm's partners commute through Grand Central Terminal, so we had targeted this area. Light and air were also important to Pine Brook, and the space has these in abundance. Finally, we know that it's easy to make deals with W&H and obtain good value for our clients.

LZ: We toured roughly 25 buildings with Pine Brook and analyzed many more. Criteria were very specific. Pine Brook needed a layout that allowed the various specialty groups within the firm to interact easily. The configuration of the tower floors fosters this synergy.

W&H: What did Pine Brook like about the space?

LZ: Many outstanding characteristics enticed Pine Brook to lease the space. Particularly, the partners fell in love with the spectacular views, the building's pre-war construction and convenience of in-lobby access to underground transportation.

W&H: What were the leasing negotiations like?

DG: There were many complicated issues, but the brokers from Newmark Knight Frank – especially Billy Cohen and Ryan Kass – along with Tony Malkin and Fred Posniak of W&H, worked closely with us to resolve each and every complication.

W&H: How would you characterize your experiences with W&H to date?

DG: They've been excellent. Larry and I frequently show space at the Empire State Building, 1350 Broadway and 1359 Broadway. Overall, Grubb & Ellis has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with W&H. In fact, Grubb & Ellis represented FDIC in its recent lease of 103,000 square feet at the Empire State Building.

LZ: Among the most pleasant and straightforward. The organization is incredibly professional and knowledgeable, starting with ownership and continuing with all of the professionals associated with W&H. The manner in which the organization has embraced the New York real estate community, both tenants and brokers, has truly been amazing.

W&H: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

DG: Yes. Pine Brook is a very satisfied tenant and looks forward to a long tenancy in One Grand Central Place.