GFP Real Estate inks two new leases at 80 Eighth Ave.

Manhattan, NY GFP Real Estate, LLC negotiated two new lease transactions totaling 8,958 s/f at 80 Eighth Ave. in Chelsea.

Buckle My Shoe Preschool (Tribeca Nursery Center, Inc.), signed a 10-year lease for 6,635 s/f of retail and basement space. The school plans to relocate its existing West Village outpost at 230 West 13^th St. to 80 Eighth Ave., adding additional services such as infant care while increasing its capacity from 30 children to more than 80. Buckle My Shoe Preschool will build out nine classrooms, an art room, gym, kitchen, greenhouse, and an art studio at the new location.

In addition, GFP Real Estate is exploring a formal partnership with Buckle My Shoe Preschool to offer its services to tenants at a discounted rate, creating a unique amenity offering to employees working at the building.The school, which has served the community for more than 40 years, is expected to open next September.

Mandell represented the tenant in this direct transaction.

“The move is a win-win.It allows us to accommodate significantly more children while meeting the incredibly high demand of nearby residents who have been yearning for more infant care options in the neighborhood for years,” said Linda Ensko, principal of Buckle My Shoe Preschool.“We fell in love with the space because of its massive windows, which flood the space with tons of natural light—and are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with GFP Real Estate, which has been an incredible partner as our landlord at 40 Worth St. for more than 30 years.”

In the second transaction, Dot. Creative Group, Inc. (Dot.), a private, appointment-only tattoo studio, signed a five-year lease for 2,323 s/f on the 10^th floor of the building. GFP Real Estate will build out several offices and a new wet pantry for the tenant and install energy efficient lighting in the space.

William McGowan of SquareFoot Realtyrepresented the tenant.

“We continue to see strong leasing activity among companies expanding their presence and/or their operations, especially in ‘cooler’ neighborhoods like Chelsea, which features buildings with an industrial vibe,” said Mandell.