New York – The Janus Property Company announced that William Etheridge has joined the firm as Director of Commercial, Life Science and Retail Leasing.
In this role he will oversee all such marketing and leasing activities across Janus’s portfolio, including its renowned 1.1 million-square foot Manhattanville Factory District in West Harlem, New York. The Factory District has emerged as the leading commercial district north of midtown-Manhattan, as well as the leading life sciences district in New York.
The District was recently featured in Architectural Digest for its creative and extensive walkable campus and landscape design. Completed buildings already include the 150,000 rsf Mink Building, 205,000 rsf Malt House, 65,000 rsf Sweets Building and the 350,000 rsf Taystee Lab Building. Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the opening of the Taystee Lab Building with a festive ribbon-cutting earlier this month. The Janus portfolio includes several additional development sites in the District, as well.
Mr. Etheridge’s role is a new position, based on the increasing leasing momentum Janus is experiencing as the two-year impact of Covid wanes. His extensive transaction experience and history of community engagement and partnership throughout his professional career was critical in his selection to lead the continued growth and expansion of Janus’ enterprise. His career path has afforded him noteworthy connections across the commercial, hospitality and luxury retail sectors. He most recently worked as a commercial leasing broker at Douglas Elliman Commercial, where he focused on office and retail leasing on behalf of both owners and tenants. Mr. Etheridge previously held positions at Saks Fifth Avenue, the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) and Chase Bank.
“I could not be more excited by the tremendous opportunity I’ve been given to join the Janus team and lead this effort at this time,” said Etheridge. “Janus has planted the seeds for a transformational neighborhood within, and as a part of, the historic fabric of West Harlem. Although Covid shut down much of the City’s leasing, Janus was able to complete 600,000 square feet in three very different buildings on the campus, while proving out its investment in and commitment to the life sciences industry. I love that I’m back in Harlem doing such meaningful work and have been impressed with the activity I’m already seeing in the District.”
Etheridge’s most recent noteworthy transaction was the sale of a mixed-use property along Billionaire’s Row at 117 W 57th Street. Additionally, he recently represented ownership in the leasing of 397 Bleecker Street in the Greenwich Village Historic District. Mr. Etheridge has represented L&M Development, Comunilife, Gilbane and Company, and HAP Investments, in addition to an array of other private landlords and not-for-profit organizations during his tenure in the commercial brokerage space. His work in the community also includes partnerships and collaborations with the Harlem Business Alliance, Harlem Community Development Corporation and Columbia University through its CU Grow Program.
“William Etheridge is an excellent addition to the Janus team,” said Scott Metzner, Founder and Principal, Janus. “His enthusiasm for New York City, and Harlem specifically, and his experience across asset types will help us move our vision to reality. He has a tremendous reputation for total integrity and we’re thrilled to have him on-board.”
Etheridge holds a B.S. in Business Management from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University and completed graduate work in the Real Estate Development program at Columbia University. He is a proud alumnus of the Real Estate Associate Program “Project REAP”, an industry-backed program to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the CRE industry through education, mentorship and partnership.
