RFK tapped for Grand Central Terminal retail leasing.

Robert K. Futterman & Associates, LLC, has been selected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as its retail leasing and merchandising consultant for Grand Central Terminal.

The three-year assignment, which was approved by the MTA board at its meeting October 28, 2003, entails a total of 131,000 square feet of retail space within the Terminal and the 10,000-square-foot Vanderbilt Hall. RKF began the assignment November 1.

In addition to being responsible for the leasing and merchandising of Grand Central Terminal's retail space, RKF will also oversee the leasing of the annual Holiday Fair and additional seasonal fairs to occur in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall.

Robert K. Futterman, chairman and CEO, Karen Bellantoni, senior managing director, and Terrence Lowenberg, associate, of RKF will oversee the Grand Central Terminal assignment. "We are honored to have been selected by the MTA to continue the successful leasing program already in place at Grand Central Terminal," said Futterman. "One of our primary goals is to ensure visitors and commuters continue to enjoy the high-quality restaurants and retailers they have come to expect at the Terminal."

Grand Central Terminal contains 100 individual retailers on three levels for a total of 141,000 square feet of retail and exhibition space. The retail locations are primarily leased to New York-based restaurants, casual food and specialty retailers including Michael Jordan's The Steakhouse N.Y.C, Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Mendy's Kosher Delicatessen, Two Boots, Junior's and Grand Central Market, a high-end food market that features Murray's Cheese, Li-Lac Chocolates, Oren's Coffee, meat purveyor Ceriello Fine Foods, and fishmongers Pescatore Seafood Company and Wild Edibles among others.

Other retailers located in Grand Central Terminal include Posman Books, Joon Stationery, Michael Eigen Jewelers, lingerie boutique Pink Slip, Banana Republic, L'Occitane, Tumi, Kenneth Cole, Rite Aid and Origins.

RKF will work along side Jones Lang LaSalle, which manages the retail at Grand Central Terminal on behalf of the MTA.