Winick Realty Group leased two retail storefronts at 22 Spring St., between Mott and Elizabeth Sts. in Nolita. The 700 s/f spaces were previously ground-floor apartments and had never housed retail before. "Landlord Samy Mahfar made a substantial investment to refurbish what had previously been an eyesore on the block," said Winick executive vice president Darrell Rubens, who represented Mahfar along with Lee Block. "He refaced the building and created retail space at the base in order to make the block and the building a better fit for the neighborhood." Rubens and Block worked with Mahfar at every step of the leasing process. While they had numerous offers on the table, ownership ultimately decided to lease the two retail spaces to Paint Box, an art gallery and custom framing store with five other Manhattan locations, and The Clay Pot, a boutique jewelry store with one location in Park Slope, Brooklyn. "Samy felt that these uses were the best fits for the neighborhood," said Rubens. "They are upscale, clean and lively new additions to the block." Winick Realty Group's Matthew Ball represented Paint Box, which is opening in October, and also assisted Rubens and Block in representing Mahfar in The Clay Pot lease. The Clay Pot, which will be open in time for the holiday season, was represented by Andrew Mendel and Lindsay Charles of Ripco.