ULI New York hosts "WTC Redevelopment Panel" September 23rd

Urban Land Institute New York (ULI N.Y.) hosted a private hard hat tour and moderated a panel discussion entitled, "WTC Redevelopment - The Rebirth of a New York Icon" on September 23rd at 7 WTC. The sold-out event, held at Silverstein Properties' Downtown landmark overlooking the WTC site, was moderated by Erik Horvat, acting director of WTC Redevelopment at the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J. The response panel consisted of influential players in the WTC's $20 billion redevelopment, including: Eric Engelhardt, VP and director of acquisitions and development, The Durst Org.; John Genovese, senior VP of development, Westfield WTC; and Jeremy Moss, senior VP & director of leasing, Silverstein. In-Depth Tour and Panel Discussion Attendees participated in a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the site, which exposed them to the unique challenges faced and resolutions reached by the project team. Following the tour, panelists provided a more in-depth analysis of these issues as they examined the value and impact the project's completion will have on New York City, as well as the global community. Moss emphasized the importance of the redevelopment project, stating "We're building buildings that need to last another century." As one of the largest, most visible and sustainable redevelopment projects in the United States, the World Trade Center faces various hurdles. Mr. Genovese addressed how Westfield World Trade Center is tackling these hurdles by consolidating its vision. He explained, "[the] main focus of Westfield is to build iconic retail destination; we now have 24 people that are on the team from around the world." Panelists explored their plans to balance community and national feedback while achieving the objectives of the completed project. Advice for Future Industry Leaders Each speaker closed the evening by offering advice to young real estate professionals. Mr. Genovese advised "don't be afraid to work on the ground floor," while Mr. Engelhardt proposed, "learn a few things here, move on to another desk, learn a few things there, move on to another." About the new World Trade Center The new World Trade Center is a vision of downtown New York that combines modern, safe and sustainable commercial space, convenient transportation and a destination cultural center. The new World Trade Center will include five new skyscrapers, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, 550,000 square feet of retail space and a performing arts center. About ULI New York ULI New York's mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. In so doing, ULI New York serves as the principal forum of real estate professionals in our area, reflecting ULI - the Urban Land Institute's best practices in leadership development, community service and enhancement of land use policy and practice. The organization provides its Members outstanding educational and informational forums and unique professional networking opportunities. For more information on ULI New York, visit: www.newyork.uli.org. ###