Faith Hope Consolo, Joseph Aquino bring H&R to Second Avenue block

Real Estate Weekly, Oct 13, 2004

The leasing team of Faith Hope Consolo, vice chairman, and Joseph A. Aquino, managing director of Garrick-Aug Worldwide, Ltd., represented the landlord in leasing a retail space at 820 Second Ave., between 43rd and 44th Streets in the "Diplomat Row" section of Turtle Bay, to tax and financial services company H&R Block. The long-term lease is for 1,671 s/f on the ground level, consisting of approximately 25 feet of frontage.

"I can't think of a site that would better complement H&R Block's corporate clientele," said Ms. Consolo.

"With the under-served population east of Third Avenue and the area's high residential density, the location allows H&R Block to further its mission of 'providing clients with the highest level of customer satisfaction.'"

"The 'Diplomat Row' area also sees non-stop foot traffic from non-residents," said Mr. Aquino, "due to the office workers of the United Nations--and an enormous neighboring office population, which frequent nearby restaurants such as Ruth's Chris Steak House and Palm Too. Coupled with the proximity to Grand Central Station, all of this lends to a very high level of visibility for a national brand."

H&R Block will occupy space vacated by Federal Express.

Newmark & Co. represented the tenant in negotiations.

The team of Ms. Consolo and Mr. Aquino also represented Hallmark in their lease of the adjacent space at 820 Second Ave., on the southeast corner of 44th Street, in October of 2003.