The privately held fashion accessories firm signed a five-year lease with two five-year option periods for the entire 66,000-sf building, according to Wittek Development officials. Callanen International plans to relocate from it current leased space at 165 Water St. by June 2003. The move will involve the expansion of the firm's presence in Norwalk by more than 12,000 sf. Callanen currently employs approximately 100 workers in Norwalk.

The company's new headquarters, which is situated on 4.5 acres in South Norwalk, will entail approximately 30,000 sf for office use and the remainder for shipping, assembly and distribution uses, Wittek officials note. Callanen International, founded in 1984, produces and markets a number of fashion products and accessories for a host of well-known brands.

Paul Tortora and George Walker of Albert B. Ashforth Inc. Commercial Real Estate Brokerage of Stamford represented Callanen International in the deal. Esposito Designs of Stamford has been retained by Callanen to perform interior work. Mark Alex Maidique of Panther Construction, a subsidiary of Wittek Development, will supervise the project.

Tortora said that staying in Norwalk was a critical factor in Callanen's search for new space. "We were able to duplicate Callanen International's existing facility and stay within their SoNo neighborhood," he says. "Wittek Development, LLC will be able to convert the building into a superior working environment that will meet all of Callanen's needs."

Wittek Development purchased 145 Woodward Ave. in December 2000 and instituted a $2-million capital improvement program at the property that included a full exterior remodeling. Daniel Stauber of Wittek Development notes that more than $1 million in additional funding will be required for interior tenant finish work to accommodate the building's new tenant.