Madison Realty Capital Acquires The Brooklyn Whale Building for $82.5M

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.