Bed Bath & Beyond in East Side lease.

Robert K. Futterman, CEO of Robert K. Futterman & Associates, LLC (RKF), reports that Bed Bath & Beyond has signed a lease to occupy approximately 90,000 square feet of retail apace at 401 East 60th Street on First Avenue in Manhattan.

This transaction is the largest retail lease consummated on the Upper East Side during 1999 and reflects the emergence of this area as one of the most desirable retail markets in the city. The new Bed Bath & Beyond store is expected to open in late 2000.

The Bed Bath & Beyond store will be situated on three floors at the base of a new luxury condominium being developed by The Brodsky Organization. Known as Bridge Tower Place, the 218-unit condo building is currently under construction and will begin marketing in this month. The architect of the building is Costas Kondylis and the lobby is being designed by David Rockwell.

Futterman said, "We are extremely pleased to have closed the most important retail transaction in New York this past year. The Bed Bath & Beyond lease affirms the Upper East Side as a major retail destination, joining the Bridgemarket, Conran Shop, Reebok Sports Club and Food Emporium flagship as major new tenants in this highly desirable market. Manhattan's East Side has historically been recognized as a prestigious area, and now service and retail tenants are transforming this neighborhood into a vibrant mixed-use community. RKF is proud to play such an important role in this new neighborhood's exciting transformation."