Morris and Sipala of NKF collaborates with Caggiano and Sheehan of CBRE for 46,000 s/f lease to relocate Helen Keller Services for the Blind to 180 Livingston

Brooklyn, NY Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) negotiated a 30-year, 46,000 s/f deal on behalf of owner Thor Equities to relocate Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKS) to 180 Livingston St. HKS previously owned 57 Willoughby St., three blocks away, and sold the building to move to 180 Livingston. NKF managing director Whitten Morris and associate Joseph Sipala represented Thor in the transaction, while CBRE senior vice presidents Keith Caggiano and Timothy Sheehan represented the tenant.

HKS is a non-profit entity that enables blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind, or those with both hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in the communities of their choosing. 180 Livingston St. was an attractive option for the organization because it offered their own dedicated lobby for easy access from Livingston St., signage and branding options, and access to surrounding neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Downtown, and Cobble Hill. As HKS takes occupancy of their new space on the entire 2nd floor, their separate entrance will also feature its own elevator, adding to the concept of a “building within a building.” 

While the non-profit group searched far and wide for potential new space options, they decided to remain Downtown due to the transportation options and amenities in the area. Their relocation exists in tandem with the trend occurring Downtown, as rents rise, and a new mix of TAMI-focused tenants move into the area. The deal benefitted both parties, as Thor gains a high-quality tenant and HKS continues to take advantage of a neighborhood where more residential buildings are coming online and the retail landscape is shifting toward higher-value storefronts. 

“This transaction was a true win for all parties involved,” said Morris. “As the landscape of Downtown Brooklyn continues to gain momentum, we’ve seen a multitude of positive changes that reinforce it as a premier destination for high-quality office tenants. The long term of the lease ensures that Thor and HKS can foster a lengthy, mutually beneficial relationship.”