New York brokerage Leslie Garfield, which specialises in the prime townhouse market, is relocating its Brooklyn Heights office to larger premises. According to industry sources, the firm signed a long-term lease for around 1,600 square feet across the entire second floor of 156 Montague Street. The townhouse-style office building is owned by Owen Realty.
Founded 50 years ago by Leslie J. Garfield, who passed away in 2022, the long-established firm was previously based at 122 Montague Street. Due to sustained expansion in Brooklyn, the previous space was no longer sufficient for the growing team. In addition to its presence in Brooklyn Heights, the company continues to maintain a central location at 505 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
Expansion along an established commercial corridor
Matthew Lesser, senior partner at Leslie Garfield, explained that while the previous space had served them well, expanding business in Brooklyn required larger premises. He noted that the long-term lease on Montague Street is a clear commitment to the borough. The historic corridor is experiencing a resurgence and increased demand, which is why the new location is intended to cement the firm's market presence in the townhouse segment for years to come.
The asking rent for the office space was $77 per square foot. On the landlord side, advisory firm JLL negotiated the deal, while Jeffrey Lopez of Lee & Associates represented Leslie Garfield. On the ground floor of 156 Montague Street, pushchair manufacturer Uppababy had already secured a 3,780-square-foot retail space in September.
Transactions in the prime segment
Among the brokerage's recent deals is the sale of 374 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn's historic Clinton Hill neighbourhood. The townhouse, measuring approximately 7,000 square feet and featuring five bedrooms, achieved a sale price of $9.4 million.
In addition, the firm is currently marketing the former residence of art historian Susan Weber Soros at 116 East 70th Street on Manhattan's Upper East Side, which is listed with an asking price of $22.5 million.
