REBNY gala celebrates resurgence despite – Business News
Mayor Zohran Mamdani didn’t show up to the Real Estate Board of New York’s spectacular one hundred and thirtieth annual bash on the Waldorf-Astoria on Thursday. (No doubt he was consumed with the tremendous factors of organizing snowplows.) But a jubilant Gov. Kathy Hochul was there, exhorting the 1,100 movers and shakers to “Build, baby build” — drawing strong cheers from dealmakers who appeared oblivious to the new mayor’s snub.
The REBNY bash regarded, sounded and tasted like a celebration, however political and financial uncertainties. It marked the primary time the occasion was held within the landmarked Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf, which reopened final yr after an eight-year restoration. The symbolic, I-Love-New York selection of venue mirrored a resurgent 2025 for Big Apple real estate, the industry that generates more tax income for municipal coffers than every other.
(Lest anybody neglect, the yr noticed investment gross sales hit the $11 billion mark, up 26% over 2024; 33 million sq. ft of workplace space leased, lowering emptiness to 14%; and a document 313 leases signed for above $100 per sq. foot).
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul advised attendees on the Real Estate Board of New York’s annual bash final week to “build, baby build.” Jill Lotenberg for REBNY
REBNY president James Whelan and chairman Jed Walentas held courtroom. Many real estate executives and brokers made heaps of money final yr, and the laughter and buzz acknowledged it. Although few male attendees wore “optional” black tie, most — like their feminine counterparts — got here stylishly dressed for the Oscars-style pink carpet, the place apparel glittered beneath the chandeliers.
The night’s eight honorees interviewed below brilliant lights by Lois Weiss included Jeffrey Gural, Winston Fisher and Fried Frank companions Anita Laremont and David Karnovsky.
REBNY payments the bash as “the premier networking event” for the real estate industry, however many appeared simply as serious about eating, consuming and having fun with the Waldorf’s magnificently restored landmark rooms. One marveled, “The acoustics were really good and you could actually hear the speeches” — a departure from years-ago occasions on the New York Hilton when chattering friends drowned them out.
Nobody missed the occasion’s earlier home of three years, the Glasshouse on distant twelfth Avenue. “I know they wanted to make it more informal,” mentioned one visitor who spoke anonymously in order to not offend REBNY. “But they went too far and basically reduced it to just another real estate schmooze.”
Cushman & Wakefield chairman of Global Brokerage Bruce Mosler, left, and Newmark CEO Barry Gosin, proper. Jill Lotenberg for REBNY
All arms feasted on dinner ready by Michael Anthony of Waldorf restaurant Lex Yard, who’s additionally the chef of Gramercy Tavern. Guests noshed on a winterized model of (naturally) Waldorf salad, adopted by braised beef short ribs with heirloom parsnips, carrots and squash.
Developers we noticed included Douglas Durst, David W. Levinson, George and Marian Klein, Dan Brodsky, Joseph Moinian, Bill Rudin, Hal Fetner, Marty Burger, Mary Ann Gilmartin, Jonathan Resnick and the Elghanayan clan — Tom, Fred and Jake.
Representing landlord, brokerage and legal ranks had been Mary Ann Tighe, Steven Durels, Barry Gosin, Peter Riguardi, Rick Nasti, Leslie Himmel, John Cefaly, Joanne Podell, Bruce Mosler, Gary Rosenberg, Garrett Armwood and Ryan Serhant.
Douglas Organization chairman Douglas Durst, left, and Lee & Associates president Peter Braus, proper. Johnny Wolf Studio
Deputy mayor for housing and planning Leila Bozorg was the highest-ranking City Hall emissary. Other authorities names included state Attorney General Tish James, MTA chair Janno Lieber, Council Speaker Julie Menin and former metropolis planning director Daniel Garodnick.
Nobody sweated over Mamdani’s absence. “We look forward to hosting Mayor Mamdani at future events,” Whelan mentioned. “We resume our focus on working with city officials and other stakeholders on practical, data driven steps to address issues such as the city’s housing crisis and continued economic growth.”
