Upper East Side welcomes baker

Real Estate Weekly, Dec 4, 2002

One of Great Neck's most popular pastry shops will soon establish its first foothold in Manhattan. Mondrian Pastry, an upscale pastry shop and cafe located on Great Neck Road, has signed a 15-year lease at 1026 Third Ave., just across the street from Bloomingdale's.

Insignia/ESG's retail group acted for both the landlord and the tenant in the transaction, estimated to be worth approximately $5.6 million. Loren Baron represented Mondrian Pastry, while Brad Mendelson and David Green acted for the landlord, 1026 Third LLC.

"Michel Willaume, Mondrian's world-renowned pastry chef, is planning on selling his elaborate array of pies, cakes, and cookies to Upper East Siders," said Mendelson.

"Hence the attraction to Third Avenue in the 60's."

Willaume is a member of the 2001 U.S. World Pastry Championship team, which took the top spot at the competition held in Lyon, France.

"Mondrian is thrilled to be in the heart of the East Side's shopping district, close to the residences of New Yorkers who regularly entertain at home," commented Baron, who added that his client is also hoping to capture corporate event business, and the new location, being so close to Midtown, affords them that opportunity. "Mondrian had been looking for some time for the ideal location and 1026 Third Avenue offers both the space and identity they required."