2019 Year in Review: Diana Brummer, Goodwin

Name: Diana Brummer

Company: Goodwin

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2019?
Since joining Goodwin’s Real Estate Industry group last year, one of my greatest professional accomplishments was being named the co-chair of Women@Goodwin. This firm-wide Women’s Initiative is dedicated to actively supporting the firm’s goals to attract, retain, develop and advance women at all stages of their careers. I’m passionate about my focus on gender diversity in the legal field, promoting an inclusive culture across the firm, and encouraging Goodwin’s women attorneys as leaders both inside and outside of the firm. 

What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2019?
I love a juicy financing transaction! In 2019, I led the Goodwin team assisting our client, Mack Real Estate Credit Strategies, in providing a construction loan in the aggregate amount of $295 million for the redevelopment in Philadelphia of 1911 Walnut St. in Philadelphia into “The Laurel,” a 48-story high-end mixed-use retail/residential project including for-sale condominium units and residential rental units. The closing represented the culmination of a six-month long process that included the negotiation and issuance of three tiers of debt. The Laurel will occupy the last developable site in historic Rittenhouse Square and will be the tallest residential tower in Philadelphia. 

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2020?
In 2020, I predict that we will see a greater convergence of real estate and technology in the PropTech space. Real estate operators and investors are developing a deeper understanding of the way in which technology influences and shapes all aspects of the way we experience real property. Technology products are able to make the use of space more efficient, pleasant and flexible. Real estate owners are excited to be a part of this development and we at Goodwin are excited to support these efforts from the legal side.