McGuireWoods was recognized by ALM and The New York Law Journal as a New York Legal Awards finalist in the “Real Estate Transaction of the Year” category for its work on Bank of America’s new master lease for expanded space at One Bryant Park. The award recognizes the lawyers behind New York’s top real estate transactions from the past year. The Bank of America master lease is the largest New York City lease in 2026 to date, and one of the largest in the city’s history.
Bank of America, which had previously leased 1.8 million square feet in the 51-story, LEED Platinum-certified tower, entered into a new master lease, announced on March 16, with a term of 23 years and six months for the entire office portion of the building, plus some retail space, adding 600,000 square feet for a total of approximately 2.4 million square feet. Bank of America owns a stake in One Bryant Park in a joint venture with the Durst Organization.
The transaction was led by partners Dennis Mensi and Ed Pittman. Mensi is chair of the firm’s Public and Private Infrastructure & Real Estate Department and has more than 25 years of experience with New York real estate law, including prior deals with the Durst Organization. Pittman has extensive leasing experience representing financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies in leases for corporate headquarters, office and retail space throughout the United States.
“We are pleased to be recognized for helping our longstanding client Bank of America reaffirm its commitment to One Bryant Park by expanding its flagship location in New York,” said Mensi. “We were honored to handle this landmark transaction that demonstrates the firm’s capabilities in the booming New York real estate market.”
Winners will be announced at the New York Legal Awards on Sept. 3, 2026.