3:48 pm, November 7, 2012
ERIC BENAIM
Modern Spaces recently signed a five-year, 1,000-square-foot lease at 220 West 16th Street for their first office in Manhattan in keeping with the company’s expansion plans.
This will be the third signature Modern Spaces office to open in less than a year for the growing company joining its existing offices in Long Island City, Astoria and Williamsburg. The new space is scheduled to open in early January 2013.
“We have been working with developers in the City and also making deals in Chelsea for quite some time now. One of our goals is to continue expanding Modern Spaces as well as working in neighborhoods that resonate with our company’s culture,” says Eric Benaim, CEO and president of Modern Spaces.
“Chelsea has been the center of the Manhattan art scene and one of the most sought-after places to live in the City, we are huge supporters of the art and this will be a great location for us to start our first venture into the City,” he adds.
Laurie Brant with Laurie Brant Realty represented the landlord and the tenant.
The 1,000 square-foot Chelsea location with store frontage that will feature beautiful great bay windows which will be restored to stay true to the building’s original design. The office’s open layout will be designed with a vintage/industrial feel to convey an art gallery and capture the artistic vibe experienced in the Chelsea neighborhood.
The space will feature tin ceilings, reclaimed wood flooring and wood tables which can seat up to 15 agents and will provide free WiFi, a lounge with couch seating, all designed to create an ambiance where clients can relax and enjoy their visit at their leisure. The space has been created with environmentally-friendly components in mind utilizing everything from reclaimed wood to salvaged materials.
Built in 1901, the building which used to be the 2/20 Gallery for over 25 years will also be used as a rotating gallery curated by select artists as well as brokerage office. Similar to Modern Spaces’ Long Island City office, the new location will work with up-and-coming artists to continue to build and embrace the neighborhood’s art culture.
