Moda is Moving Along

The Moda project at 89-14 Parsons Blvd in Jamaica, Queens looks great! I visited the space today to find beautiful retail storefronts all along 89th Avenue and Parsons Blvd. The building is expected to be completed by March, with 45,000 SF of retail space, 346 apartments, and a 500 space parking garage below. The King Polo supermarket chain has already signed onto the project, but there is still space available to be built out for you by the developer. This is the perfect location in downtown Jamaica! Give us a call while there’s still room: 212-213-6480.

-Caitlin

A Journey to Jamaica

89-14 Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens

In the heart of Jamaica, Queens, in a bustling neighborhood buzzing with energy, sits 23,000 SF of ground floor retail space and 10,000 SF on the second floor waiting to be built out for you by the developer. The space is a part of “Moda” a 45,000 SF project with the historical facade of the old Queen’s Family Courthouse. Projected to be completed by March 2010, the building includes a 500-space parking garage below and 346 apartments above. Associated Supermarkets has already signed on, becoming the anchor business of the project.

Retail Specialist Elliott Dweck and I traveled to Queens this morning to explore the neighborhood and discover what it means to be a part of this vibrant area. Just down the road from the featured space for lease is one of the busiest streets in Queens, Jamaica Avenue. Filled with shoppers and vendors, the street includes a state of the art movie theater and national retailers like Old Navy, The Children’s Place, Nine West, Modell’s, Zales, Marshall’s, and Foot Locker. Young Women’s fashion is a focal point with busy shops “Pretty Girl,” “Princess,” and “Strawberry.”

We stumbled across what is known as the hottest club-wear shop in Queens, “Hot Point.” Owner Steve Shrem was glowing with excitement, showing off his large collection of trendy tops, boots, and purses. Popular styles at discount prices like fringed bags, over-the-knee boots, and even the classic Michael Jackson-style military jackets lined the walls. Store employees noted that DJs from Hot 97 recently visited the shop, among the other “young and stylish” customers.

Shoe Selection at "Hot Point"

While Jamaica may be flowing with people, with 30,000 people living within a half mile of the site and about 100,000 people living within a mile, a tight-knit community feel still exudes from the streets. Also along Jamaica Avenue is the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, offering dance classes, workshops, and art exhibitions. Like to Salsa? Visit the center on October 19th to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The hot spot also homes a teen center and a program called “ArtVenture” for school children of all ages. Also on the block is the Jamaica Market Food Fest, bright with every fruit and vegetable imaginable. Grab some lunch or do some grocery shopping, the market is a health food lover’s haven.

Parson’s Boulevard in Jamaica is the perfect spot to expand your business. A lively downtown area with a close neighborhood feel, The Moda project could be your next good opportunity. For leasing information, please call 212-213-6480.

-Caitlin

Besen Retail Deal Published in Crain’s!

Parson's Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens

Besen Retail is making Crain’s New York Business headlines with  a recent deal with King Polo Inc., a supermarket company, and the Dermot Co.’s space in Jamaica Queens. King Polo Inc. signed a 30-year lease to rent 10,000 SF in the basement of 89-14 Parsons Blvd.

The Dermot Co.’s project still has 23,000 SF of retail space to fill on the ground floor, as well as 10,000 SF on the second level. The second floor space would be perfect for a learning center or day care, check out our feature on the upstairs space here.  

Click on this link to see more details about the deal in Crain’s.

-Caitlin

Hit the streets, not the phone

by Adam Caplan, Retail Specialist

A deal with Associated Supermarkets in Jamaica, Queens was a direct result of door to door canvassing.

Ever since real estate brokerage began, telephone canvassing has been one of the most effective ways for brokers to instantly reach out to buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants alike. It gives the broker the opportunity to detect his or her client’s motivation level to potentially carry out a real estate transaction.

While this is arguably the method of choice for sales and office leasing brokers, retail brokers have the privilege of a different modus operandi: hitting the streets to find tenants. In other words, walking from store to store ascertaining different tenants’ expansion or relocation plans.

 Why do Besen Retail brokers favor this method? Because store owners are usually more inclined to “talk biz” to a person standing in front of them instead of answering cold-calls. Walking into a store means there is no need for a broker to make an appointment and no need to reserve a conference room; the business decision-maker is often standing behind the cash register in front of you, and he or she is giving you the time of day to offer your retail services.

Another positive about brokers visiting stores themselves is that, as the old saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” With a quick glance around a store, the broker is able to obtain many crucial facts about the tenant’s business, such as how many people shop there at any particular time, the approximate size of the store the tenant operates, and the condition of the store. A store with state-of-the-art signage and furnishings appeals to landlords more than schlocky, dank stores. Additionally, walking into a brand-new store on a prime corner of an avenue may mean the tenant will splurge to secure another prime retail space.

Exclusive Retail Opportunity in Jamaica, Queens!

A unique retail opportunity is available for lease in one of the most vibrant and lively neighborhoods in Jamaica, Queens. The space boasts 9,600 square feet with 16 foot ceilings, creating an airy atmosphere, perfect for a learning center. With easy access to several transportation options, almost 30,000 people live within a 1/2 mile radius of the site, and nearly 100,000 people within 1 mile.

This opening is a part of the Moda project, a 45,000 SF retail space, currently under construction, and expected to be available for occupancy in Q1 2010. Neighbored by The Home Depot, Old Navy, Walgreens, and other national and international retailers, the building includes 171 feet of total frontage along Parsons Boulevard and 372 feet along 89th avenue. Sitting above the retail space are 346 apartments, and below is a 500-space underground parking garage. Associated Supermarkets has already committed to the project, becoming the anchor store upon opening.  

This is an amazing opportunity to expand your learning center to the heart of Jamaica, Queens. A state of the art facility in busy downtown area, to be built for you by the developer,  it is the perfect space to create an ideal learning environment.

 

 

 

 

 

For leasing information, please call 212-213-6480 or email me at caitlin@besenretail.com.

Grocery Gripe

Picketers at Whole Foods in the Upper West Side

Although our “line of the week” this week may have gone political, thankfully our supermarkets haven’t. Retail specialist Adam Caplan noted Associated Supermarkets’ expansion to our client’s property on Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens, scheduled to open in 2010. Hopefully the opening will go a bit more smoothly than the recent opening of Whole Foods at 97th Street and Columbus Avenue.

Due to Whole Foods’ chairman John Mackey’s op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal  criticizing Obama’s health care plan, about 50 protestors picketed outside the store at their grand opening. The group plans to continue their protest today at the Whole Foods on Columbus Circle. Whole Foods stands by their belief that Mackey has the right to his own opinion.

-Caitlin