Intellectual property law firm Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP has signed a long-term lease at the Chrysler Building, occupying a 11,000-square-foot full floor, announced RFR and Signa Group. RFR will build out the space to tenant specifications.
An in-house team of AJ Camhi, Paul Milunec and Rob Weller represented RFR and SIGNA Group and Michael Gottlieb, Jennifer Ogden and Drew Persson of Avison Young represented Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP. Asking rent was $90 per square foot.
“Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein was attracted to Chrysler in part because of its landmark Art Deco aesthetic, its sweeping city views and the boutique full-floor options it offers,” said AJ Camhi of RFR. “But this commitment is really a testament to the draw of Chrysler as an architectural gem in a perfect location and a nod to the power of RFR’s incomparable design sensibility as we continue on a path to re-energizing this beloved building.”
The developers are in the midst of a major improvement plan at the 77-story building. From enhanced lighting in the historic lobby and modernized elevator cabs to flexible and functional floorplates and exposed beams that add a modern sensibility, the transformative undertaking will seamlessly mix classic and contemporary elements and introduce a modern ambience that is at once polished and striking, the companies said. High-quality, prebuilt suites flooded with natural light include above-standard pantries, kitchen spaces and views while terrace opportunities at the tower’s setbacks offer private outdoor space for tenants. The partnership also is planning a comprehensive reimagining of the food, wellness and personal service experiences throughout the building.
“Our firm has been a leading New York intellectual property boutique for almost 70 years,” said Anthony Lo Cicero, partner, Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein. “We look forward to relocating for the next chapter in our history to the iconic Chrysler Building, a structure which itself is a nationally and internationally recognized architectural brand.”
In addition to upgraded mechanical systems, elevators, windows, bathrooms and common corridors, the full-floor “Chrysler Club” on the 27th floor, designed by master architect Gensler and RFR, has been transformed for the exclusive use of building tenants. It includes a well-appointed boardroom, town hall meeting space, living room with game tables and myriad seating options as well as private phone rooms, a library, a pantry/café and a dedicated yoga/meditation studio. Simultaneously, planning is underway on Chrysler’s 61st and 62nd floors to create an elegant, publicly accessible space designed in partnership with Ken Fulk. The arcade level, designed in partnership with Rockwell Group, is being programmed to include specialty food, beverage, daily-needs and personal care options as well as an event space.
“We were thrilled to help Amster Rothstein reshape their law office needs for the future,” said Michael Gottlieb, principal, Avison Young. “Relocating to the Chrysler Building, with its amenity space, enabled them to upgrade the quality of their space, have phenomenal views of the city and still save money in the process. Working closely with RFR’s leasing team, we were also able to structure a financial transaction that worked for both parties.”
