Architects hunker down for long term at Winter building.

Perkins Eastman, the largest architectural firm in New York City, has renewed and expanded its lease at 115 Fifth Avenue by 22,500 s/f bringing its total occupancy to approximately 80,000 s/f..

Ted Rotante and Erik Schmall, corporate managing directors of Studley, represented Perkins Eastman in the long-term lease expansion with the building owners, The Winter Organization.

With this expansion, Perkins Eastman will occupy the entire third and a portion of the second and sixth floors.

According to Rotante, the firm of Larsen Shein Ginsberg Snyder LLP merged their practice with Perkins Eastman's in January 2006 becoming one of the nation's leading health care architects, which combined with their organic growth created an immediate need for expansion space.

"Perkins Eastman was keen to remain in the building and The Winter Organization was equally eager to retain them," said Rotante. "The landlord's willingness to address the firm's needs and concerns, and his commitment to retaining a valued long-term tenant, were major factors, as well as the fact that the building's character--its large floor plates, high ceilings and distinctive columns--offers the kind of space that is sought-after by creative, design-oriented companies."

Studley first represented Perkins Eastman seven years ago when the firm signed its initial 43,000 s/f lease at 115 Fifth Avenue for the entire third floor. The firm then expanded to a portion of the second floor several years ago on a sublease, and in this transaction acquired a portion of the sixth floor.

Rob Silver of Newmark represented The Winter Organization. Attorneys involved were Steven T. Gersh of Berkowitz, Trager & Trager LLC for the tenant and Kerri L. Alessi and Kenneth L. Sankin of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler.