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MASTER7W34PR
MASTER7W34PR
NEW YORK CITY (Nov. 24, 2004) -- Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sheila Charton as director of leasing for The New York Gift Mart at 7 W. 34th Street, the new home of New York City’s gift, tabletop and home accessories industries in Midtown Manhattan. In her new role, which officially began Nov. 22, 2004, Charton is responsible for the day-to-day leasing of permanent and market-time showrooms in approximately 450,000 square feet of space housing more than 150 tenants. Charton reports directly to Su Hilty, general manager of 7 W. 34th Street.
“We’re so pleased to welcome Sheila to our seasoned team,” said Joan Ulrich, vice president of gift leasing and marketing, MMPI. “Sheila’s understanding of New York as an international marketplace for the gift industry, coupled with her experience in trade shows and special events, make her the ideal person to bring the very best design-driven resources to 7 W. 34th Street.”
Prior to joining MMPI, Sheila served as director of cause-related marketing for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in New York City, after serving as director of special events and corporate development there. She was responsible for managing the Gift for Life board and numerous fundraising events for the organization. During her tenure at amfAR, Charton planned and executed local, national and international special events and worked closely with several gift and home manufacturers to forge partnerships and solicit donations to raise funds for the national nonprofit organization.
Charton’s 20 years of professional work experience include two years as senior director of development for the New York City Partnership & Chamber of Commerce where she managed events and business conferences. She also was president of Caradonna, an established importing and marketing company focused on selling and promoting European-made products in the United States. Charton began her career at WOR Radio in New York where she was director of public affairs and special projects.
As leasing director, Charton’s primary goals for the first quarter of 2005 are to lease the permanent and market-time showrooms leading up to the grand opening of The New York Gift Mart, which will begin with the New York Tabletop Market in April 2005. The grand opening will be followed by numerous markets, special events and day-to-day activities for the new building.
In addition to speaking Italian and Spanish, Charton is also a vice president of The Broadway Association. She received a bachelor of arts degree in speech from Boston University. For information about Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. and The New York Gift Mart at 7 W. 34th Street, visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART).
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Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.’s newest market center for gift, home décor and tabletop
showrooms in Midtown Manhattan to open in 2005
NEW YORK CITY (Oct. 28, 2004) -- Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is proud to announce that phase one is nearing capacity in its plan to create a national market center for the gift, home décor and tabletop industries at 7 W. 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The news comes just weeks after MMPI unveiled plans for The New York Gift Mart™ at 7 W. 34th Street, scheduled to open in 2005.
“To say we are thrilled with the response of demand for showroom space at 7 W. 34th Street is an understatement,” said Joan Ulrich, vice president of marketing and leasing, gift industry, MMPI. “We believe our partners in the 225 Tenant Association and the showroom partners in our properties across the country are joining us because of the close relationships we’ve established over the years. They – along with new manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives – want to be among the first to greet retailers and generate new business when the building opens. We look forward to tremendous success in our newest venture together with them.”
As commitments for showroom leases become solidified, MMPI is launching exciting plans for annual events and day-to-day programs to drive traffic in the building. “Our aggressive marketing and advertising plan will ensure buyers and designers nationally will know where to come when they are looking for the finest, innovative new products available. Our goal is to make 2005 a banner year for New York City’s gift, tabletop and home accessories industries,” said Ulrich.
In addition to participating in the tabletop markets, gift and home markets and special weekday events and seminars, 7 W. 34th Street’s extensive marketing plan will include direct mail, e-blasts, a high-tech, interactive Web site and trade advertising. The building officially opens in April 2005 for the New York Tabletop Market, and will continue with a year-long schedule of markets and events. A complete list of new showrooms at 7 W. 34th Street will be forthcoming.
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CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2004) – Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Su Hilty as general manager of the new New York Gift Mart™, the new home of New York City’s gift, tabletop and home accessories industry, located at 7 W. 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan. In her new role, Hilty is responsible for leasing and marketing approximately 450,000 sq.-ft. of space housing more than 150 tenants. Hilty will report directly to Joan Ulrich, vice president of leasing and marketing for the gift industry for MMPI.
Prior to joining MMPI, Hilty served as vice president of marketing for the 225 Fifth Avenue building, which changed ownership earlier this year. While at 225 Fifth Avenue, Hilty managed all marketing initiatives, including advertising, direct mail marketing, public relations and Web design and management. She served as an industry-to-community liaison, working with trade associations and city government to help achieve goals of the gift industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Su to our MMPI gift and home management team,” said Ulrich. “Su was highly praised by the 225 showrooms and will be an asset to the new building. Her industry relationships and retail and wholesale experience will be invaluable.”
Hilty will help to oversee the grand opening of The New York Gift Mart, which will begin with the New York Tabletop Market in the spring of 2005, as well as the numerous markets, special events and day-to-day activities that are scheduled for the new building.
Hilty brings with her more than 30 years of experience working in the retail industry. She previously served as vice president of marketing services for Liz Claiborne Accessories and has held sales and marketing positions at Gucci America, St. Thomas Leather Goods, Baronet Leather Goods and Bloomingdale’s.
Hilty is a board member for a number of professional and charitable organizations, including Gift for Life, the Fashion Institute of Technology (home products department) and the International Furnishings & Design Association (IFDA). She was previously on the board of directors for Fashion Group International.
For information about Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART).
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Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. announces 7 W. 34th Street as the new location for the gift, home décor, and tabletop showrooms in Midtown Manhattan
NEW YORK CITY (Oct. 6, 2004) – Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) and parent company Vornado Realty Trust today announced plans for The New York Gift Mart,™ the new home of New York City’s gift, home accessories and tabletop industry. Ideally situated in Midtown Manhattan, 7 W. 34th Street will become The New York Gift Mart, managed by MMPI, the largest multi-city mart manager in the country.
“New York is undergoing a great cultural renaissance. Its designers and manufacturers continue to dominate their fields, and some of the most innovative firms are thriving here. Their vision of the home and the products that are in it, as well as the decisions they make, affect people all over the world,” said Christopher G. Kennedy, president, MMPI. “We believe in New York, its economy, its people and its ability to lead the country in product design. We intend to make the gift, home accessories and tabletop industries not only grow and flourish here but become a national marketplace for retailers and designers to find exclusive product.”
The 225 Fifth Avenue building changed ownership earlier this year. According to reports, 225 Fifth’s new owners plan to convert the building into condominiums, which left the tenants to search for a new home. In March 2004, the 225 Fifth Tenant Association approached MMPI when it began its search, and has since awarded MMPI its endorsement.
“We applaud the entire group at 225 Fifth Avenue for their dedication to the marketplace and making the transition with us. The team worked hard to meet the diverse interests of the 225 Fifth showrooms all the while trying to balance the needs of the very smallest showroom to the largest corporate giants in their search for a new home,” added Kennedy.
Involved in the relocation process were: David Zrike of The Zrike Company, Inc., who is also the president of the 225 Tenant Association; Clyde Brownstone of the Showroom Marketing Corp.; Richard Cohen of Richard Cohen, Inc.; Tom Gottlieb of Two’s Company; Mark Hooper of Pacific Rim Import Corp.; David Neuwirth of The Neuwirth Co.; and David Moses, president of OneCoast.
"The Association is thrilled by the decision to partner with MMPI to create what we expect will be the greatest gift mart in the country," said Zrike. "Our dreams came true: we are creating a bigger and better market than we ever had at 225 Fifth Avenue."
The New York Gift Mart‘ will officially open for business in the spring of 2005 for the New York Tabletop Market, and continue with a summer 2005 market that will run in conjunction with the New York International Gift Fair“ at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, which is produced by George Little Management, LLC (GLM). “We look forward to working in full cooperation with GLM and other market buildings in New York to create an exceptional and convenient buying experience for attendees in 2005 and beyond,” said Kennedy.
Located in a highly desirable location in Midtown Manhattan and 25 percent larger than the 225 Fifth Avenue building, the 450,000-square-foot New York Gift Mart at 7 W. 34th Street will become a dedicated single-purpose gift, home décor and tabletop building with a recognizable street identity. It is in close proximity to the Javits Center and other related showroom buildings, as well as to some of New York’s best restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment with convenient access to public transportation. Eleven of its floors will be dedicated to showroom space with its first floor containing a beautiful lobby and grand entrance.
“We discussed the various needs the 225 tenants have in promoting 7 W. 34th Street and are very excited about the upcoming campaign launching New York’s newest market center,” said Joan Ulrich, vice president of marketing and leasing, gift industry, MMPI. “Our showroom partners recognize our successful track record of operating showroom buildings in multiple cities, and we are pleased to bring this brand to New York.” MMPI’s reputation in the industry includes its pledge and ability to keep promises, to deliver high-volume, quality traffic to its showroom buildings, to produce special events, and to present the best resources in the industry, all from an overall friendly and accommodating management and operations team.
In addition to working with the showrooms to make the January and July gift shows stronger in New York, MMPI plans to continue to participate in the tabletop shows, sample sales and special weekday events and seminars to drive day-to-day business. The New York Gift Mart’s extensive marketing plan will include direct mail, e-blasts, a high-tech, interactive Web site and trade advertising, while working with New York City travel officials to get discounted rates on hotels. Buyer amenities will include a common registration system compatible with all MMPI-managed buildings, great food services with catering options and convenient transportation and meeting spaces.
These buyer amenities are in step with MMPI’s highest standard of service as seen in its markets and mart centers throughout the United States including: the Chicago Gift & Home Market‘ at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Ill.; the Gift & Home Furnishings Market‘ at L.A. Mart“ in Los Angeles, Calif.; the International Home Furnishings Market“ at Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building in New York, N.Y.; and the Washington Design Center in Washington, D.C.
Showrooms will include attractive high ceilings and will range in size from 600 to more than 10,000 square feet with full flexibility in lease terms. The fully functional, product-ready, turnkey showrooms will feature floor-to-ceiling storefronts, state-of-the-art lighting and high-quality, custom carpeting and interior upgrades, similar to the newly expanded buildout of the 12th and 13th gift floors in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.
Showrooms will be presented with a wide range of different carpet collections to select from, or may choose their own custom carpeting. In addition, ceilings and walls will be painted to showroom specifications.
Showrooms will be outfitted with high-quality incandescent and spot lighting to help display products in the most flattering manner. Furthermore, all showrooms will be wired for technology requirements needed to run their businesses efficiently.
The air conditioning consists of variable air volume and is climate-controlled, providing a maximum comfort level in all areas of the building at all times.
Headers will be used over the showrooms for easy navigation. Each floor will have wall directories and clearly visible signage guiding guests throughout the building.
Aisles and Vertical Transportation
The aisles of 7 W. 34th Street have a user-friendly, spacious layout for improved traffic flow. Six passenger elevator banks and attractive interior stairwells in 7 W. 34th Street also help facilitate a smooth traffic flow between floors.
The clean, bright spacious restrooms with ample fixtures on every floor are large enough to cut down on long lines during markets.
Built in 1901, 7 W. 34th Street was formerly home to Ohrbach’s department store. Ohrbach's primarily sold women's clothing and progressively became the favorite for many who liked designer-quality fashion. Ohrbach’s relocated to 7 W. 34th Street in 1954, which was also the headquarters for the 12-unit department store chain, and operated there until February 1987.
Architectural firm Fox & Fowle modernized and restored the 10-story building between 1987-89 to its original turn-of-the-century character. The building's entire infrastructure — mechanical, electrical, elevator and communication components — was replaced with state-of-the-art systems. At street level, a new storefront facade and a new, double-height vaulted entrance vestibule and lobby were designed and finely appointed with brass, bronze, marble and granite finishes. The building's stately granite and beige cut limestone facade was restored, and design details such as the building's elegant copper cornices and carved lions’ heads were restored to their original patina.
Vornado Realty Trust acquired the property in November 2000. The building currently has two major office tenants, both of which are scheduled to relocate: Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP), which was in the process of relocating this past summer, and Fairchild Publications.
Joanna Mineau
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI)
Phone: 312-527-7074
E-mail: jmineau@mmart.com
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