Pruger and Kaplan of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Retail sign Civilianiare to 1,650 s/f

According to Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Retail (NGKF), Los Angeles-based Civilianiare has signed a long-term lease at 53-55 East Houston St. at the corner of Mott St. The new denim concept, which was founded by the principals of Lucky Brand Jeans, will occupy 1,250 s/f on the ground floor with a 400 s/f basement. This will be the first location for Civilianaire in the city, which has several stores across southern California. Jason Pruger, executive managing director, and Ross Kaplan, senior managing director, of NGKF represented ownership in the transaction, while Robert Draizen of Hanley Advisors represented the tenant. "Civilianaire saw this corner, with its expansive new all glass storefront, as the entrance to Nolita and the opportunity to co-exist with many great stores and boutiques like Jay Kos, Rag & Bone, Calypso and others," said Kaplan. Civilianaire will join menswear retailer Jay Kos at 53-55 East Houston St., which opened in 2011 on the Mott St. side of the building. About Newmark Grubb Knight Frank A part of BGC Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ:BGCP), Newmark Grubb Knight Frank is one of the largest commercial real estate service firms in the U.S. It brings together the strategic consultative approach to creating value for clients and leading position in the New York market that are hallmarks of Newmark Knight Frank; the complementary strengths of Grubb & Ellis in leasing and management, investment sales, valuation and capital markets services; and BGC's financial strength, proprietary technology, expertise in global capital markets and deep relationships with many of the world's leading financial institutions. Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, together with its affiliates and London-based partner Knight Frank, employs more than 11,000 professionals, operating from more than 300 offices in established and emerging property markets on five continents. This major force in real estate is meeting the local and global needs of tenants, owners, investors and developers worldwide.