2025 Year in Review: Victor Malerba Jr., MG2

What accomplishment, milestone, project or transaction stood out for you or your firm in 2025? For MG2, a key milestone was advancing several mixed-use and multifamily efforts for national clients that emphasized attainable housing and efficient unit design. And for our local clients, pursuing the feasibility of office-to-residential conversions was a large part of our efforts. We were also involved in refreshing retail core-and-shell projects to respond to shifting tenant demands, advising national and local brands on how to re-engage urban consumers, and repositioning under-performing properties.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? In 2026, we see opportunities around residential conversions, zoning updates, and neighborhood-scale mixed use that supports housing and retail together. We expect greater emphasis on modular approaches, sustainability requirements, and design efficiency, as affordability and speed-to-market become more critical. For our team at MG2, this means deeper collaboration early in planning and a continued focus on integrated services to address evolving urban needs.

What transaction, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New York CRE market this year? This year’s momentum and discussions around adaptive reuse and mixed-use conversions best reflected the direction of the NYC CRE market. As capital remained selective, projects that combined residential, retail, and community-driven uses continued to move forward, especially in transit-oriented locations. The shift highlights how flexibility, zoning evolution, and housing demand are reshaping development strategies and investment priorities citywide.