2016 Year in Review: Barry Schmidt, Schmidt Construction Consulting Inc.

Barry Schmidt, Schmidt Construction Consulting Inc.

Name & Title: Barry Schmidt

Company Name: Schmidt Construction Consulting Inc.

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2016?

Completion and occupancy of LePort Montessori School in Cobble Hill Brooklyn. A tremendously difficult gut renovation of an historic Landmarked movie theater. Complex compliance issues including public review hearings were successfully navigated due to the myriad of regulations on the Landmarked building, including a vertical extension and change of occupancy. This is first of what we hope will be many more private schools built due to the incredible demand in Brooklyn and Manhattan due to the thriving residential market.

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

I have to say that the presidential election had the greatest impact on our industry this year due to the inevitable shifts in economic policies that come with a change of governing parties.

How will you be supercharging your productivity in 2017?

Social media has been revolutionary in the way we market our services and I can only expect that this trend will continue in 2017.

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2017?

Again the election results will alter the status quo whether we agree or disagree with the outcome. Hopefully a premier Manhattan developer will understand what’s good for our industry, and I have every expectation that demand for NYC real estate will thrive.