New York, NY George Comfort & Sons, Inc. has finalized a new long-term lease agreement with The McKissack Group (dba McKissack & McKissack) at 498 Seventh Ave. Under the 10+ year lease, the firm will establish its headquarters across a portion of the 17th floor in a relocation from 1001 Ave. of the Americas by the first quarter of 2023.

A family-owned business for more than 117 years, McKissack is one of the oldest minority/women-owned professional design and construction firm in the United States. The firm provides a full range of services and specializes in managing the entire construction process from concept, design and procurement, through construction, closeout and occupancy. 

“We are pleased to welcome McKissack & McKissack’s team of esteemed professionals to 498 Seventh Avenue,” said George Comfort & Sons president and CEO Peter Duncan. “Like so many leading firms, McKissack was drawn to the improvements we’ve made to create a touchless experience for our tenants, along with the tower’s expansive floor plates, natural light and convenient Midtown location.”

“McKissack is beyond excited to relocate our headquarters to this new location,” said Cheryl McKissack Daniel. “As builders, it is our obligation to be visionaries and evolve. The transition into this innovative office environment, marks a milestone to our future growth across all industry sectors while being mindful socially and environmentally.”

With the signing of this deal, George Comfort & Sons has raised the occupancy level at 498 Seventh Ave. to 94%. 

George Comfort also created a brand new business lounge and café with grab-and-go coffee kiosk operated by Ground Central Coffee accessible from the main lobby. In addition, retail storefronts at the base of the building have been updated, and destination dispatch elevators as well as new turnstiles with facial recognition for touchless entry have been installed.

Andrew Conrad and Matt Coudert represented George Comfort & Sons in-house, while Erik Schmall and Scott Weiss of Savills represented the tenant. 

Owned by a partnership of George Comfort & Sons, Inc., Loeb Partners Realty and JR AMC, 498 Seventh Ave. is just a few blocks north of Penn Station, with convenient access to subway and commuter lines as well as multiple dining and retail options.