Consolo & Aquino complete repositioning of Fifth Ave. complex.

The leasing team of Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, and Joseph A. Aquino, executive vice president, of Prudential Douglas Elliman's Retail Leasing and Sales Division, exclusively represented the landlord in bringing Chase Bank to 69 Fifth Avenue.

The dynamic duo sought to transform the five-store retail complex into 10,000 s/f of combined space on the northeast corner of 14th Street and Fifth Avenue. Their successful repositioning marks an exciting retail entry at the crossroads of Fashionable Flatiron and Union Square.

Boasting some 60 feet on Fifth Avenue, and another 100 feet of street frontage on 14th Street, Chase will benefit from premium visibility in a sought-after, 24 hour, seven-day-a-week retail location.

"Although a host of retailers, including banks and apparel shops, were vying for this coveted location, Chase has the great fortune of opening on this enviable corner," said Consolo. "The bank boom has proven to be more than a fleeting fad, but a major trend that continues to enhance Manhattan retail."

"This vibrant 14th Street shopping corridor has seen plenty of development over the past few years. The nearby Paul Smith and Whole Foods are representative of the hip atmosphere of Union Square blending with the prestige of Fifth Avenue, this heavily trafficked corner draws a diverse demographic," noted Aquino.

"We have brought much of the new retail to the area and are confident that Chase will add convenience to the neighborhood while unifying space vacated by five retailers."

"The list of prominent retailers surrounding 69 Fifth Avenue is never ending and includes Coach, Arden B., Kenneth Cole, Zara, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Diesel, Urban Outfitters, Esprit and Bebe," concludeed Consolo. "The 14th Street neighborhood is also just steps from stellar restaurants, such as Mesa Grill." Ripco represented the tenant in the negotiations, and Argo Corporation is the landlord. Chase has enlisted Frank Chu of Global Arc LLC to redesign the storefront.

More evidence that the bank boom has not subsided: Consolo and Aquino are also the exclusive agents for 5,000 s/f at 1796 Broadway, which boasts 100 feet of frontage and is ideally suited for a bank.