Newmark Retail arranges Belgian Shoes relocation to 18 West 55th St.

Manhattan, NY Newmark Retail has arranged a long-term lease for Belgian Shoes at 18 West 55^th St., a newly constructed luxury residential tower in Midtown’s Plaza District. The retailer will relocate from 110 East 55^th St. to a 5,065 s/f space comprising 3,065 s/f at grade and 2,000 s/f in the basement.

Founded in New York City in 1955, Belgian Shoes is a luxury footwear brand known for its handmade Belgian loafers. The company opened its original Midtown boutique in 1955 and relocated to 110 East 55^th St. in 2001, where it has operated for the past 25 years.

Newmark vice chairman Jeffrey Roseman and director Drew Weiss represented the landlord, Skyline Developers, in lease negotiations, while senior managing director Darrell Rubens and director Logan Ryan represented the tenant.

“Belgian Shoes is a longstanding New York institution whose product and customer base are closely aligned with the character of the Plaza District,” said Roseman. “Its commitment to 18 West 55^th St. reflects the continued value of well-located, distinctive retail space near Fifth Ave., particularly for established brands seeking visibility among the area’s residents, office population and visitors.”

Skyline Developers is the New York City affiliate of Garden Homes. Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and developed by Skyline Developers, 18 West 55^th St. is a 289-ft. luxury residential tower totaling 152,084 s/f and comprising 97 rental residences.

“We appreciate Newmark’s role in bringing Belgian Shoes to 18 West 55^th St.,” said Orin Wilf, principal of Skyline Developers. “Belgian Shoes is an excellent fit for the retail space and complements the quality and character of our residences above. This lease marks an important milestone for the property, further realizing our vision for 18W55 as a fully integrated residential and retail destination.”

Located between Fifth and Sixth Aves., the property is near Fifth Ave.’s shopping corridor and amid a concentration of international luxury retailers and hospitality destinations, including Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Harry Winston, Breguet, The Peninsula New York and The St. Regis New York.