Kushner undertaking renovations at Puck Building at 295 Lafayette St.

One of Manhattan's historic landmarks is undergoing big changes this summer. Kushner Companies has launched a lobby renovation at SoHo's renowned Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St.

The project will step up tenant services and rejuvenate finishes at the 195,000-SF structure while maintaining its 1880s-vintage appeal. The architectural firm of Swanke Hayden Connell, a tenant in the building since 1994, has planned the improvements to complement the historical stature of the property.

The renovation centers upon the strategic relocation of the Puck Building's original concierge and security desk. It will be moved to a more central position that will allow staff to better service traffic to and from the property's elevators and will enhance security.

This will also allow the demolition of an insignificant dividing wall to achieve a more open floor plan.

At the same time, enhanced lighting will showcase the lobby's antique woodwork and entranceways. New wood accents, doors and hardware will also reaffirm the historic nature of the building. Kushner Companies will apply new wall finish as well to freshen the lobby's overall appearance.

The Puck Building was named for the satirical Puck magazine, which was published on its premises from 1887 until 1916. Today, it accommodates a range of office tenants and offers vintage ballrooms that are the site of some of New York's grandest galas. The building encompasses the length of a city block and is bounded by Lafayette, Houston, Mulberry and Jersey streets, with SoHo to the south and Greenwich Village to the northeast.

Originally a seven-story building constructed in 1885. the property was enlarged in 1892 with a nine-story addition. Albert Wagner designed the Romanesque Revival structure, which is listed on the national historic register. The building's style reflects the Chicago School of architecture, known for steel frame construction, horizontal bands of windows and the skillful use of brick.

"The Puck, Building is widely known as one of the city's most desirable corporate addresses, noted Richard Stadtmauer, a vice chairman and managing partner with Kushner Companies. "The lobby renovation will refresh the property while maintaining the historic appeal that lends to its charm. The goal is to maintain the quality image that our tenants have come to expect."

"At the same time, the facelift will help to position The Puck Building as an attractive opportunity for prospective tenants interested in leasing all or part of a large block of space that is coming on line this summer," added Stephen Schofel, an executive managing director at Newmark & Company Real Estate Inc., the building's leasing agent since 1991.

The available space includes 78,000 SF of contiguous space on the building's second, third and fourth floors. It represents the first large vacancy at The Puck Building in more than seven years.

"The Puck Building's 14-foot ceilings, expansive interior spaces and vast round-arched windows create a unique appeal that has attracted such notable tenants as the architectural firm of Swanke Hayden Connell," Schofel noted. "Its ornate columns, the original antique elevator and elaborate wrought-iron work add to its charm. Already, a number of firms have expressed interest in the upcoming availability."