Fire damages AOL/Time Warner Center

Real Estate Weekly, April 16, 2003 by Steve Viuker

A fire on April 8 damaged what will be the new home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, a part of the AOL Time Warner head quarters being built in mid-Manhattan.

The fire originated on the sixth floor of the multi-structure complex at 10 Columbus Circle, said Mary Castello, a spokeswoman for the construction company, Bovis Lend Lease. Fire officials said the blaze spread to the fifth, fourth and seventh floors. All four floors were to be occupied by Jazz at Lincoln Center, Castello said.

Castello said the fire started in a part of the building that Bovis had turned over to another contractor for interior outfitting. She said she did not have details on the extent of damage. Turner Construction, a Manhattan-based company, has been working on those floors.

Spokeswoman Terry Kuflik had no immediate information and said, "We're in the process of assessing the situation." Fire officials said the cause was under investigation.

The fire did not dampen the retail aspect of the development. Cushman & Wakefield announced that 4YOU, a Danish men's-wear retailer, has leased 9,581 SF. The lease gives 4YOU the largest space of any international apparel retailer at the complex, and marks 4YOU's first New York location. Only domestic retailer J. Crew, which will occupy space on two levels totaling 10,285 SF, will have more space at the complex. In addition to 4YOU, other international retailers to lease space at AOL Time Warner Center include Hugo Boss, Thomas Pink, Crabtree & Evelyn, Cache, Sisley/Bennetton and Montmartre.