Urban Outfitters Leases Unfettered Upper Broadway Spot
By Emily Geminder March 15, 2010 8:41 pm
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2625 Broadway
When Urban Outfitters last year declared its intent to renovate a landmarked theater on the Upper West Side, the outcry was swift. Although the Metro Theater stood empty, its interior Deco flourishes gutted several years ago, news that the national retailer planned to set up shop there sparked a wave of protestation. The theater was all that remained of an upper Broadway once dense with small theaters and independent cinemas.
Urban Outfitters has since been released from its lease for the space and is instead moving ahead with plans for a new store, opening this summer, across the street. Amira Yunis of Newmark Knight Frank, who represented the landlord in negotiations, said the building was ideal for the apparel chain. “Unlike the former Metro Theater, it is not a landmarked property, offering Urban Outfitters the ability to create an original store design.”
The 10-year lease covers almost 15,000 square feet on the ground and lower levels. Urban Outfitters was represented by Stephen Plourde and Keith Fencl of the McDevitt Company. Ms. Yunis, along with colleague Zach Winkler, represented landlord Hudson Island.
“I have always been a fan of Urban Outfitters’ stores,” Ms. Yunis said. “We all think this is a great space for them, one that will help transform this stretch of Broadway into a powerful shopping corridor. I am very excited to see the completed store since the space allows them to be very creative with their build-out.”
The New York Post had news of the deal on March 10.
