New York

NEW YORK CITY — Madison Realty Capital has acquired The Brooklyn Whale Building, located at 14 53rd St. in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood, for $82.5 million. The seven-story building offers 400,000 square feet of industrial space. Currently 79 percent occupied, the property is nearing the completion of a more than $8 million renovation program to fully reposition the building into a state-of-the-art office hub. The seller initiated the capital expenditure program and Madison Realty plans to add substantially more to the building’s renovation plans as it assumes ownership. Built in 1918 by E.W. Bliss, the property served as the headquarters for the Whale Oil Co. Renovations to the building include the installation of energy-efficient windows, new elevators, a new roof and improved power infrastructure, as well as the addition of a new lobby with concierge desk along with spaces for amenity shops and restroom facilities. Aaron Jungreis of Rosewood represented both the buyer and undisclosed seller in the off-market transaction.

NEW YORK CITY — Savanna, a New York-based real estate private equity and asset management firm, has completed the sale of 31 Penn Plaza to Vanbarton Group LLC for an undisclosed sum. Located at 132 W. 31st St., the 18-story property features 444,000 square feet of office space. Savanna acquired the property in 2011 and completed a $20 million renovation, including redesigning the lobby, security infrastructure and entrance, modernizing the elevators, restoring the façade, upgrading coming areas and adding retail amenities. During the period Savanna owned the property, the firm entered into 260,000 square feet of lease agreements with tenants that included Friedman’s, Pennsylvania Six and Dee Daa. Douglas Harmon, Adam Spies, Joshua King, Adam Donegar and Michael Saclarides of Eastdil Secured represented Savanna in the transaction. Christopher Price and Adam Kopald of Goodwin Procter served as the seller’s counsel for the sale.