Futterman and Bellantoni of RKF broker 9,100 s/f lease at 401 West 14th St.

Tudor Investment Corp., a global hedge fund, has signed a 10-year lease for the 9,100 s/f penthouse at Taconic Investment Partners' building at 401 West 14th St. The building is at the intersection of 14th St. and Ninth Ave., which is the most prominent corner in the avant-garde neighborhood. "This is one of the most exciting spaces we have ever developed," said Taconic co-founder Paul Pariser, noting that the newly constructed penthouse was designed as a glass box overlooking the exciting meatpacking district. Adding to already spectacular views from inside this one-of-a-kind space, the penthouse also boasts three separate terraces overlooking 14th St. and Ninth Ave., which total 2,500 s/f. This is the second Taconic property that Tudor will occupy. The firm is also a tenant at Taconic's office building at 450 Park Ave, (which is under contract to be sold to Somerset Partners). Tudor will take occupancy at 401 West 14th St. in late fall. Robert Futterman and Karen Bellantoni of RKF represented the landlord in this transaction, and are also contacts for additional space. Although 401 West 14th St. is leasing rapidly, there is still some space available -- including 2,600 s/f of retail space on the ground level and 9,500 s/f on the 2nd floor. John Wheeler of Jones Lang Lasalle represented the tenant. The Meatpacking District's unique atmosphere, cobblestone streets and streetscapes have made this neighborhood a mecca for haute couture retailers, luxury hotels and exclusive restaurants and nightlife. Taconic's equity partner at 401 West 14th Street is The Lion Value Fund, managed by ING Clarion. Originally constructed in 1923 during a major phase of development of the district, 401 West 14th St. is undergoing a complete restoration by Taconic, which includes the brand new penthouse, new services, a new core, and new windows. Cook + Fox is the architect and Sciame is the construction manager for this restoration. The redone brick and concrete façade with all-new steel industrial windows is in keeping with the Arts and Crafts style of architecture, and contributes to the historically mixed architectural character and varied uses of the Gansevoort Market Historic District. Taconic Investment Partners LLC has acquired and developed more than eight million s/f of office properties in New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. In addition, it bought and is renovating two large residential complexes in Brooklyn and the Bronx.