The Durst Organization leases 4,000 s/f to the American Kennel Club; Landlord represented in-house by Aaron and Braus and Kave of Lee & Associates

New York, NY  The American Kennel Club (AKC), one of the world’s largest dog registries and leading industry authority and advocacy for dogs, has signed a lease with The Durst Organization for a pet care facility in their new VIA 57WEST building, a residential structure designed by Bjarke Ingles in one of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods.  The AKC signed a multi-year lease at the building. The Durst Organization also recently signed a lease with restaurant operator Livanos Restaurant Group at the property. This venture marks a new chapter for AKC as this is the first brick and mortar retail service the organization has opened in its 140-year history. The 4,000 s/f pet care facility, which will be an amenity to the building and open to the dog owning public in the neighborhood, offers a premium one stop pet care facility including daycare, boarding, training, grooming, and walking services. “We are honored to work with such a prestigious real estate firm as The Durst Organization for this noteworthy venture into the pet care space,” said Dennis Sprung, president and CEO of the AKC. “Strategic movements like this make it clear that the future of the AKC is bright.” “This is an exciting time for the AKC,” said Ron Menaker, chairman of the board of the AKC. “As we embark on this endeavor, we embrace a new way to serve dogs and their owners and to increase the continued trust and validity of our organization’s brand.” Alexandra Aleskovsky, EVP and chief growth officer of the AKC said, “The pet care segment is a very exciting growth segment and it's a great opportunity for AKC to leverage its credibility, expertise and history in dog care.  We are looking forward to expanding to additional centers around the country.” “We are thrilled to be working with AKC to bring a pet care facility to the WEST57 superblock,” said Jonathan (Jody) Durst, president of The Durst Organization.  “We strive to provide our tenants with homes where they can live, work and thrive. Pet-friendly buildings are a significant amenity to our tenants.  To also offer a pet care facility affiliated with an esteemed organization like the AKC brings another layer of service and convenience to our tenants on the WEST57 campus.” AKC was represented by executive vice president Glenn Isaacson of CBRE.  The Durst Organization was represented in-house by vice president of leasing Ashlea Aaron and Lee & Associates’ managing principal Peter Braus and managing director Richard Kave.  Legal negotiations for the venture were handled by Jolie Meer, of counsel, at Rosenberg & Estis, P.C. on behalf of The Durst Organization and Goodwin Bland, partner at Morgan Lewis and Bockius, LLP, on behalf of The AKC.