Industrious inks deal with RFR for 33,231 s/f at 190 Bowery

Manhattan, NY According to RFR, the workplace experience company, Industrious, has committed to take 33,231 s/f at 190 Bowery, a 38,000 s/f landmarked office building located at the corner of Spring St. and Bowery in the NoLita neighborhood.

“The building itself is an evolving work of art situated in the heart of one of the City’s most vibrant neighborhoods,” said AJ Camhi, executive vice president and director of leasing of RFR. “It represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Industrious to provide a curated workplace experience in one of New York City’s most storied spaces.”

RFR was represented by an in-house team of Camhi, Paul Milunec and Rob Weller along with Alexander Riguardi, Clark Finney, Robin Olinyk, Dana Goldman and Jake Bargas of JLL. Industrious was represented in house by Natalie Levine, director of real estate, and Kylie VanBuren, director of real estate transactions.

“We’re excited to plant our first flag for Industrious in this pocket of Manhattan,” said Levine. “While we have a strong presence across the city, this space is a trailblazer for our footprint in the walkable, energetic NoLita and Lower East Side area. The building’s architecture and fascinating history make it an inspiring setting. It’s a natural fit for the thoughtful, hospitality-driven workplaces we’re known for.”

Built in 1898 and designed by Robert Maynicke, 190 Bowery is a Beaux Arts building which was commissioned by The Germania Bank and included a grand banking hall and offices above. Germania and its successor banks operated at the building until its sale to renowned photographer Jay Maisel in 1966. Maisel maintained his residence, studio and gallery at the building for nearly 50 years – he also hosted his wedding and raised his daughter in the building. Maisel notably rented out the 4^th floor as studio space to American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. The building became a mecca for street artists over the years and would get covered in chalk by Keith Haring.

When RFR acquired the building in 2015, the firm kept the period-specific architectural details in place which had been virtually untouched by Maisel. RFR updated the building systems throughout allowing the building to gain the functionality and comforts of a modern office building. RFR even relocated the building’s original copper cage elevator to the secondfloor where it serves as a private phone room. The rooftop water tower, which is visible from the street, features a mural by artist Shepard Fairey called Power and Equality with a portrait of actress Rosario Dawson who had grown up in the neighborhood. To this day, the exterior of building continues to be adorned with its ever-evolving street art and iconic streetwear brand Supreme occupies the retail space.

190 Bowery is situated at the convergence of the vibrant Nolita, NoHo, SoHo, and Lower East Side neighborhoods. As one of the world’s shopping districts, the location offers diverse shopping, dining and entertainment options. The building is proximate to five MTA subway lines – it’s a five-minute walk from the 6 train at Spring Street, the B and D station at Grand Street, and steps from the J and Z Bowery station.