Gell and Briody of CBRE lease 70,000 s/f for Metropolitan Real Estate

Metropolitan Real Estate Investors, LLC, the New York-based, national investment company that purchased the Lipstick Building at 885 Third Avenue in July, has signed an agreement expanding the building's largest tenant, Latham & Watkins, one of the world's largest law firms. The Lipstick Building, instantly recognizable with its distinctive elliptical shape, was designed by world-renowned architect Philip Johnson. Under terms of the lease, Latham & Watkins has expanded its presence in the building by approximately 70,000 s/f, leasing floors 14, 15, 16 and 20.  This brings the firm's total occupancy to 400,000 s/f. "The building's new ownership is very pleased with Latham & Watkins' expansion at 885 Third Ave. and is looking forward to an outstanding, long-term relationship with this prestigious tenant," said Brian Gell of CB Richard Ellis, who together with his associate, Laurence Briody, represented Metropolitan. Latham & Watkins was represented by Scott Gamber, also of CBRE.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.