Manhattan, NY According to Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. (MFA) the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the preeminent association representing the retail sector, has signed a full-floor lease for its global headquarters at 1251 Avenue of the Americas.

ICSC will take the entire 45th floor, comprising 44,100 s/f. It plans to move into MFA’s flagship tower by mid- to late- 2019 for a 16-year term.

“We are delighted to welcome this prestigious organization to 1251 Avenue of the Americas,” said Christopher Perez, senior vice president of MFA. “Sixth Ave. is more vibrant today than any time in its history, and its location in the heart of Midtown provides ICSC with ideal access to its retail and real estate members.”

JLL’s Chris Kraus and Daoud Awad represented ICSC in the lease. NKF’s David Falk, Peter Shimkin, Eric Cagner and Nick Berger represent MFA at 1251 Avenue of the Americas. 

“Midtown has been ICSC’s home for over 20 years, and we look forward to being able to stay in the neighborhood,” said Tom McGee, president and CEO of ICSC. “The building is conveniently located and will provide a dynamic environment for our members when they visit.”

ICSC provides its 70,000-plus member network—spanning 100 countries—with resources, connections and industry insights, and helps to shape public policy. It is the latest large corporate tenant to sign a full-floor lease at the building, which is also home to Mizuho Corporate Bank, McGuireWoods LLP, DLA Piper, Berenberg Capital Markets and McGraw Hill Financial, among other well-known names in the financial, legal and real estate industries.

“1251 Avenue of the Americas’ virtually column-free floorplates and superior infrastructure have been distinguishing features for tenants during the final stages of decision making,” said Perez.

John Westerfield, CEO of MFA, said, “A redesign of the lobby and upgrade of the elevator system, as well as the addition of several new restaurants, are scheduled for 2019, and this substantial capital investment is further evidence of Mitsui Fudosan’s commitment to maintaining 1251 as one of the finest office buildings in New York City. Our recent success in leasing multiple full floors at 1251 further demonstrates the attractiveness of The Avenue of Americas to premier business organizations like ICSC. Sixth Ave. remains one of the great places to work in midtown Manhattan.”