2016 Women in Real Estate: Elise Wagner

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Name: Elise Wagner

Title: Partner – Land Use Department

Company Name: Kramer Levin

Email: [email protected] 

Years in real estate: 35 years

How did you get your start in real estate? My legal career began when I became an associate at Tufo & Zuccotti, a boutique land use law firm led by John Zuccotti, the former Deputy Mayor and Chair of the City Planning Commission, and former Chair of Brookfield Properties.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

Board of Directors, New York Building Congress

Board of Directors, WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate

Board of Advisors, Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, New York University School of Law

Telephone: 212-715-9189

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

I recently obtained landmark and zoning approvals for Larga Vista Companies to develop a new building that is under construction at the corner of Lafayette and Houston Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Larga Vista is partnering with the Related Companies on the $200 million project, which is a seven-story, LEED Silver commercial building with 30,000 square feet of retail space and 53,000 square feet of office space. The project is expected to be completed in early 2018.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

I am very proud to have been named a Super Lawyer for the past ten years (Super Lawyers is a highly respected listing of attorneys that is published annually). I have concentrated on land use law for the past 35 years and have helped my clients navigate major projects throughout New York City. My clients recognize that the scope of my experience and my deep expertise is extremely valuable in obtaining city approvals and completing transactions that involve complex zoning issues.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

The person who has had the strongest influence on my career is John Zuccotti, who passed away in 2015. A true industry legend, John could walk into a room full of people who were disagreeing vehemently, and within a short time he would find common ground between them. His intellect, and his ability to persuade former adversaries to see eye-to-eye, were remarkable. As a junior lawyer, I worked very closely with John, and learned many things from him, including the importance of focusing intently on the question at hand and presenting my client’s point of view in a clear and persuasive manner.