Ben is back with another episode of Ten with Ben, exploring the recent momentum in the commercial real estate market. Leasing velocity is up, transaction volume is rising, and distressed assets that once seemed stagnant are now trading hands. Post-election stability and renewed business confidence have fueled this shift, as companies gain clarity on their long-term office strategies. The return-to-office movement is no longer just a talking point with many firms solidifying in-person work policies, with some even requiring five-day attendance. Landlords are responding by enhancing assets with premium amenities to attract and retain tenants. As deal flow accelerates, the market is demonstrating greater resilience than many anticipated—particularly in Chicago, where leasing and investment activities showcase a revived sense of optimism.
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When Quill, a leading office supply company, sought to create a collaborative workspace that fostered employee engagement, they chose Tri State Lincolnshire for their new office. With an accelerated timeline requiring completion in just five months, Bradford Allen, as the owner, worked closely with Quill and their partners to deliver a thoughtfully designed 58,000-square-foot workspace that supports Quill’s evolving culture and return-to-office (RTO) strategy.
Watch the video to hear Mark E. Roszkowski, President at Quill, discuss his successful partnership with Bradford Allen.
NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2025) – Bradford Allen today announced the successful completion of 50,000 square feet of new leases at 750 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan’s prestigious Plaza District. Glenn Isaacson, the firm’s New York market leader, and Tony Builder, senior associate, represented building owner Cohen Brothers Realty in the transactions.
The new tenants include Makai Labs, Old Court Equities, Communify, Clearline Capital, VT Luxe, Naomi Road Capital Advisors, Cristaudo Holdings, Dana Rebecca Designs, Moroccanoil, Colonial Navigation, Temin and Company, Sephora and RKO Stage.
“These leases reinforce the ongoing appeal of 750 Lexington Avenue as a premier office destination,” said Isaacson. “The building’s prime location, strong ownership and high-quality space continue to attract a diverse range of tenants looking for a best-in-class workplace.”
Located in the heart of the Plaza District — one of Manhattan’s most sought-after business hubs — 750 Lexington Avenue offers tenants unparalleled access to major subway lines, abundant retail and restaurant offerings, and landmarks including Central Park. Given its central location in the heart of Manhattan, Plaza District is home to some of the city’s most prestigious office buildings, making it a prime destination for companies seeking a prominent address and exceptional workplace environment.
Bradford Allen collaborated closely with Marc Horowitz, director of leasing for Cohen Brothers Realty, to secure the deals. With Cohen Brothers Realty headquartered in the building since its construction, ownership remains deeply invested in maintaining 750 Lexington Avenue’s standing as a top-tier office address.
Following this leasing momentum, two full floors and several partial floors remain available, presenting an opportunity for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in a premier Midtown location. For more leasing information, go to bradfordallen.com.
About Bradford Allen:
Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by Jeff Bernstein and Larry Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company, offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.
NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 20, 2025) — Bradford Allen, a national full-service commercial real estate firm, today announced Mitzi Flexer has joined the company’s New York office as managing director. Flexer will be instrumental in expanding the firm’s presence in New York City’s outer boroughs, leveraging over a decade of experience in commercial real estate and a proven track record of executing strategic transactions across various asset types including office and retail. Prior to joining Bradford Allen, Flexer was a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, where she specialized in strategic leasing and tenant representation.
“Mitzi is a seasoned professional with extensive market knowledge and deep community ties in New York City,” said Ben Azulay, president of Bradford Allen’s national brokerage business. “Her proven ability to structure and close complex deals for both landlords and tenants will be an invaluable asset as we expand our footprint in the region.”
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Flexer also brings extensive international experience to her role at Bradford Allen, having served clients throughout Europe, Central and South America.
“Mitzi is a trusted adviser with a strong reputation for guiding clients across industries including retail, healthcare and professional services,” said Glenn Isaacson, the firm’s New York market leader. “Her expertise in the outer boroughs, global perspective, deep market insights and strategic approach enable her to develop tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of her clients.”
Flexer is involved in several industry and community organizations, including the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) Brooklyn Retail Committee, where she is a founding member; the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). She has been recognized multiple times as a CoStar Power Broker and was honored as one of Real Estate Weekly’s Leading Ladies in 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and comparative literature from Hofstra University.
Opened in 2021 and located in Manhattan, Bradford Allen’s New York office serves a wide range of clients across the metro area, providing local expertise and exceptional service in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets.
With headquarters in Chicago, Bradford Allen’s comprehensive brokerage services include tenant representation, landlord representation, consulting and advisory services, property and asset management, and construction and project management.
About Bradford Allen:
Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by principals Jeffrey Bernstein and Laurence Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company, offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.
Firm will invest over $25 million to upgrade the 470,810-square-foot office complex, its first acquisition in South Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2025) — Bradford Allen Investment Advisors today announced it has purchased 350 and 450 E. Las Olas Blvd. and will invest over $25 million to upgrade the 470,810-square-foot office complex, the firm’s first acquisition in South Florida. Bradford Allen also will be providing asset and property management services for the property.
Bradford Allen has purchased 350 and 450 E. Las Olas Blvd., a 470,810-square-foot office complex in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with plans to invest an additional $25 million in the property.
Bradford Allen plans to renovate the lobbies and put in the most technologically advanced conference rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor space to create the best-in-class offering in the market.
“350 and 450 E. Las Olas occupy what’s generally regarded as the most desirable office location in downtown Fort Lauderdale,” said Larry Elbaum, principal and co-founder of Bradford Allen. “By buying and recapitalizing the complex, we’re going to make it a clear choice for Fort Lauderdale office tenants seeking the best downtown location and amenities. We’re committed to investing significantly in this property so the quality of the buildings is commensurate with the quality of their location.”
Built in 1997, the property offers ocean, river and city views, as well as first-floor retail and restaurant tenants including Starbucks. In addition to the 470,810 square feet of office and retail space, the complex also includes 1,344 parking spaces in a multi-story covered deck.
Jon Blunk and Laurel Oswald of TCRE will handle leasing for the property, which was 69% occupied at the time of sale.
“With limited product available in the market, especially Class A+ space, a revitalized 350 and 450 E. Las Olas will be welcomed by tenants seeking the best product in the best location,” said Blunk, president of TCRE.
350 and 450 E. Las Olas offers easy access to transportation, including Interstate 95, the Brightline train and several bus routes. In addition to parking, the office complex also has bike storage.
Bradford Allen owns properties in suburban Chicago; Greenwich, Conn.; Denver; Jacksonville, Fla.; and other markets. The firm has made a number of other value-add investments in large office properties as well.
About Bradford Allen:
Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by Jeff Bernstein and Larry Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company, offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.
