What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2013?
December 23, 2013 - Spotlight Content
What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2013?
My team has certainly done our fair share of deals, and I'm proud of all of them, but my own greatest accomplishment is being named to the national board of Commercial Real Estate Women's Network for a three-year term beginning in 2014. I remember when women were a rarity in our business, and I've worked hard to change that, joining and eventually serving in leadership positions with AREW, YM/WREA, and NYCREW.
This new nomination will allow me to do even more around the country and in Canada to advance women's opportunities for success in our industry.
What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2013?
This year saw of the most complicated and creative deals we've ever done, placing Alice + Olivia at 98 Greene Street. The site had been Realm, which sold the lease to Jitrois in response to customer demand. But the site was always meant for Alice + Olivia but it took some persuasion. We suggested Alice + Olivia to test a popup nearby, even though it wasn't our deal, to persuade them that a Soho store, and particularly this Soho store was the right location for them.
What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2014?
With interest rates still low, the stock market still high, and unemployment continuing to edge its way down, 2014 should be a strong year for commercial real estate and retail real estate in particular. The recent ICSC New York National Conference, always a reliable predictor for the year ahead, had a post-downturn high attendance and great enthusiasm, and we saw many new and renovating projects throughout the metropolitan area. We'll see investors and deals from all over the world as the United States, especially New York City, remains a safe -- yet exciting haven. It's all good.
What are your resolutions for 2014?
I resolve to work harder, to work smarter, to take a few minutes to smell the roses. And perhaps most important given all the traveling I'll be doing for CREW, to learn how to pack lightly!