Rockrose Development leases 5,500 s/f to Grimaldi's at 135 John Street

Grimaldi's, the #1 Zagat-rated pizzeria for five consecutive years, is crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and opening a new restaurant at the Rockrose Development Corp.-owned 135 John St. "This location makes perfect sense as our next business move," stated Grimaldi's CEO Joseph Ciolli. "People are always coming in from Manhattan, so it seemed natural to open up a new restaurant just over the bridge from our original Brooklyn location." Demolition was complete at 135 John St. in May, construction is expected to start in late August, and the restaurant is expected to open by the end of the year. Grimaldi's has leased the entire 5,500 s/f building from Rockrose with a 15 year term and a 5-year option. The space comprises a cellar, first, second, and third floor-the rooftop is also being built out and will be utilized for dining. "Even though 135 John is much larger than the Brooklyn location, which is 1200 s/f, people will undoubtedly be lined up outside to get a taste of the famous pies," said project architect Julio Leder-Luis of Leder-Luis Building Designs. One of the unique elements Leder-Luis will be implementing is a glass-front elevator that will go from the street to the roof-top dining area. The deal was brokered by Winick Realty Group. "With the great mixed-use of the neighborhood, Grimaldi's will do phenomenally well here," said Winick associate Josh Singer. "They'll be feeding off the Wall Streeters, the booming residential crowd and the South Street Seaport tourist traffic." Singer said that Ciolli was immediately sold on the building without even setting foot inside, and that although the property previously housed disparate retail and restaurant tenants, "Ciolli instantly saw the potential of the entire building for his business." Grimaldi's is opening next to 200 Water St., a 32-story residential rental building also owned by Rockrose. NYU held the lease at 200 Water St. for the past 10 years, but the 576 newly renovated apartments are now available to the public for rent. Residents are not only enjoying the many building amenities such as a 24-hour doorman, a new fitness center, rooftop terrace, and tenant lounge, but also pizza perks. The new Grimaldi's will allow 200 Water residents to bypass the restaurant's legendary lines, which often wrap around the block. In addition, tenants can enjoy free delivery service within the building, a company first. Currently with locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Garden City (Long Island), Hoboken and throughout the Southwest, the Manhattan restaurant will be the 16th Grimaldi's to open nation-wide. About Rockrose: Rockrose Development Corp is a family owned and operated real estate company with over three decades of experience. The company's visionary outlook and hands-on approach as an owner, developer and manager has established it as an industry leader that sets New York's standard for quality real estate. Rockrose has earned a reputation for architectural distinction, sensitivity to the community and creative management. Many of Rockrose's projects have received favorable public reviews and design awards by landmarks and other governmental agencies.