New York Residence celebrated on Friday, November 18 the opening of what they are calling the “nicest real estate brokerage office in the Bronx.”
NYR brass gathered with borough officials at the 160 E. 188th Street location to say a few words, view the new offices and eat some food.
“It’s with great pride to announce our expansion to the Bronx as we continue to grow our brand and expand our presence in this thriving market,” said Thomas Guss, president of New York Residence. “Our new office location and high-performing agents are a core advantage to servicing clients and furthering our position in the marketplace.”
“This is an amazing time for New York Residence to expand into the Bronx with a substantial investment,” said Richard Pino, chief financial officer and associate broker. “The office build-out is, by far, superior to any other local real estate office. We wanted newly hired licensed real estate agents to be excited and proud of their new work environment.”
According to NYR, the new office colors are brick and steel-grey to “evoke the feeling of the neighborhood.”
In addition the white staircase foyer is meant to draw the client “into a very unique and vibrant office space.”
The side and conference chairs in the office are from Olivio E. Godeassi, or O&G, in Italy and the desks are restored steel desks from approximately 50 years ago.
In addition, the desks fall in line with the brick and steel-grey color scheme.
At their desks the employees will sit on the Uno Chair from Steelcase.
The new offices are also filled with art reproductions by painters such as Jane Dickson and Michael Manning.
Waveform Pendant Lights from Murray-Feiss are used to illuminate the office.
Guss, a native of Austria, said the office’s appearance arises from the company’s desire to do its best in everything.
“Whenever we do something we do it well,” said Guss. “So of course you have to start with your own office.”
According to Guss, the office is supposed to make the customer feel comfortable.
“We wanted to somehow make something that’s interesting visually but on the other hand that is not intimidating,” he said.
In addition he said he hopes having an office in the Bronx will bring more attention to the borough from NYR clients.
“The problem with the Bronx is not only that it is underappreciated but also that it’s not well known,” Guss said.
Councilmember Fernando Cabrera is hoping NYR can help Bronxites fulfill their dream of home ownership.
“Only 18 percent of those who live in the Bronx own their property,” said Cabrera.
Cabrera said he feels NYR will be sensitive to the needs of people in the Bronx. In addition he said he’d also like to see NYR hire local Bronx real estate agents.
Guss said the company is hiring at the East 188th Street location. The company’s headquarters is in Times Square at 1501 Broadway. They can be reached at (212) 377-9300.
