NEW YORK CITY—Lafayette 148 New York, a locally-based fashion brand, has decided to relocate its 200-person headquarters and other Soho-based operations to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The firm has leased 68,000 square feet in the Navy Yard's Building 77. No brokers were involved in the transaction.

The brand's new site will be about the same size as its existing space at 148 Lafayette St., where the company was founded 20 years ago. Its relocation is slated to bring jobs to the Yard that will range from senior level executives to designers and cut and sew workers. The company will retain a presence in Manhattan with its concept store at the Soho location.

“We've been seeking industry leaders for the top floors of Building 77 and we found a major global brand in Lafayette 148 New York,” asserts David Ehrenberg, president and CEO, Brooklyn Navy Yard. “They are the perfect fit for our dynamic ecosystem and manufacturing environment. We are also very pleased that Lafayette 148 New York will partner with the Yard's Employment Center to recruit and train people for available employment opportunities.”
The one million square-foot Building 77 project is the largest development in the Navy Yard's history. Currently undergoing a $185 million renovation that will transform the building into a state-of-the-art manufacturing, tech and design hub, Building 77 will be home to over 3,000 jobs. Lafayette 148 New York joins Abby Lichtman, Sebastian Kim, Crye Precision, Justin Paul, Catbird Jewelry, Accurate Knitting, Hip Hop Closet, Pen + Pistol, and many other tenants who are ecosystem of fashion, apparel and textile manufacturers.

“I want the future of fashion to be made in New York,” declares New York City Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen. “We're thrilled Lafayette 148 New York is coming to the Navy Yard and growing good jobs in Brooklyn.”

“We are excited to join the thriving tech and creative community in Brooklyn and contribute to the extraordinary growth of the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” adds Deirdre Quinn, co-founder and CEO of Lafayette 148 New York. “This location allows us to bring employees together on one floor with room to grow, and to move closer to our warehouse and fulfillment center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. This provides a more seamless and interactive work environment with the kinds of efficiencies that are essential to success in a very competitive industry.”

“Lafayette 148 New York is a leader in the city's fashion industry,” notes Kathryn Wylde, president & CEO of the Partnership for New York City. “Its expansion at the Navy Yard is another example of the huge contribution this facility is making toward building and diversifying our city's economy.”

“Brooklynites are thrilled to welcome Lafayette 148 to the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” says Brooklyn Borough president Eric L. Adams. “Their innovation will serve the entire borough, and their 'cutting-edge' creative spirit represents exactly what Brooklyn is all about as we look toward the future.”

Instant Insights /

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