Power Players in Residential Real Estate

Jonathan Mechanic is chair of Fried Frank’s Real Estate Department and routinely counsels developers, owners, investors, REITs, and lenders in all aspects of major commercial real estate transactions throughout the country. His clients include some of the country’s most prominent owners, operators, and developers. Jon earned a B.A., magna cum laude, from Brandeis University and a J.D. (Order of the Coif; Editor, Law Review) from New York University School of Law.

Jonathan Miller is president and CEO of Miller Samuel Inc., a real estate appraisal and consulting firm he co-founded in 1986, and a professor of market analysis at Columbia University’s MSRED program. Since 1994, he has been the author of an expanding series of U.S. housing market reports for Douglas Elliman Real Estate and a frequent housing market commentator and blogger covering U.S. and regional housing issues.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
After three years in the hotel business out of college, I decided it wasn’t for me and pivoted into real estate brokerage. My father had been a real estate developer/broker in Delaware. I eventually moved to Manhattan and found my way into a residential real estate brokerage sales office for a new condo development. I noticed all the appraisers were coming in with little data. That’s how we got the idea to start an appraisal company.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Before moving to Connecticut, my wife and I lived on the Upper West Side. Multiple subway lines made it easy to get around, and there were plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to frequent. Strolling along Broadway was one of our favorite ways to spend an evening. The iconic Emery Roth buildings that front Central Park West are spectacular. Best of all, we lived near Lincoln Center and often went to see operas and ballets.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
As housing market appraisers and analysts, we’re always trying to bring transparency to the public. We just published an extensive compendium of the apartment sales market known as The Elliman Report: 2013-2022 Manhattan Decade.

Michele de Milly is one of NYC’s leading voices in public affairs, a problem-solver and a trusted advisor to major corporations and property owners, social service organizations, and cultural nonprofits. Michele’s effective government relations, PR, and community outreach strategies have guided many of the city’s highest profile rezonings and transformative development and land use projects. Prior to co-founding Geto & de Milly, Michele led communications and government affairs for the New York State Urban Development Corporation/Empire State Development. 

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry? 
Since my days on the governmental side of urban development, it has been a thrill to help shape the built environment of New York – from championing new architectural icons to promoting open space and housing, to advancing sustainable projects that address climate change. It’s humbling and gratifying to work with the best minds in the public, private and nonprofit sectors on projects that ensure beautiful, functional and equitable places for residents and families to live, work, and play.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC? 
Both my co-founder Ethan and I are true “Downtowners,” having made our homes in Chelsea and the East Village. Working on the revitalization of Manhattan’s South Street Seaport has occasioned spending enjoyable time in that unique neighborhood, at events at Pier 17, and shopping at the new Jean-Georges Tin Building Marketplace. I’ll also throw in Kensington, Brooklyn, which I frequent with the youngest members of my family, and which feels like a second home. 

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on. 
I’m extremely proud to be part of the effort that brought MLS soccer to NYC and to now work with the Adams Administration, local elected officials, and community stakeholders to realize the vision of a dedicated soccer stadium, substantial affordable housing, a public school, and so much more in Willets Point, Queens. I’m always inspired to work on generating funding for our outstanding nonprofit clients, who provide crucial services to the most vulnerable New Yorkers. 

Adam D. Modlin started Modlin Group in 1999. Without any experience working for a residential brokerage company, he was determined and motivated to create his own path in the industry. He is known for representing clients in private equity/hedge funds, banking, real estate, entertainment, media, technology and sports industries. Adam is an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York and a founding board member of New York Residential Agent Continuum.

Ross Moskowitz is a strategic advisor to developers on land use, zoning, environmental, tax abatement, and exemption issues, as well as structuring and financing public-private development transactions. He advises financial, professional service, and media clients regarding multiple occupancy plans throughout NYC. He’s Chambers-ranked and recognized as a leading lawyer by PoliticsNY/amNY Metro, Crain’s, Law360, and City & State. Ross chairs Stroock’s DEI Council and recently received NYSBA’s John E. Higgins Diversity Trailblazer Award.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Often our family picks neighborhoods throughout NYC to explore, and of course to find a great meal, so I have many favorites. At this present moment, the West Village is a leading neighborhood in my book, but overall, it has to be the Upper West Side, where I have lived in three apartments over 38 years.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
Representing the South Street Seaport Museum over the last three years on a pro bono matter involving its renovation and funding programs has been extremely enjoyable. I have been working downtown for more than 30 years and only recently discovered the significance of the museum, the beauty of its ships and the incredible work it does to educate people about the origins of New York City.

Miki Naftali is the chairman and CEO of Naftali Group, the privately-owned global real estate development and investment firm. Over his 35-year career, Mr. Naftali has acquired, developed, and managed over $15B and 30M square feet in real estate. Known for spearheading projects that raise the standard for developments, he has assembled a portfolio of 25 luxury condominiums in NYC alone, as well as other assets, including multi-family and mixed-use, with more in the pipeline.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
While attending USC, I worked as a property manager and the owner asked me to find them another investment. I presented a building that I thought was a great value-add and they purchased it. Not only did that experience draw me to real estate development, but it also led me to understand that value isn’t always visible and if I can find a good opportunity to invest, I can bring a vision to life.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
This question is like asking a parent which of their children is their favorite. I love every part of New York City, but if I had to pick my favorite neighborhoods, they would be the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, West Village, and Williamsburg. Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique history and charm, how could I pick just one?

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
The recent projects I have enjoyed working on are our boutique condominiums on Madison Avenue, The Bellemont and The Benson, and 200 East 83rd on Third Avenue. We were bullish on the UES because we saw an opportunity to bring great design, desirable layouts, and stylish amenities to a market that was missing this kind of new residential product. Alongside our partners RAMSA and Achille Salvagni, we brought our vision to life with record-breaking results.

Marc Norman is the founder of consulting firm Ideas and Action, the Larry & Klara Silverstein Chair in Real Estate Development & Investment, and Associate Dean of the Schack Institute of Real Estate at NYU. He has over 25 years of experience in community development and finance working for for-profit and nonprofit organizations, consulting firms and investment banks, and currently consults with organizations throughout the United States and the world.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
I’m trained as an urban planner. While getting my Masters at UCLA I was drawn to the professors of practice who were teaching us about the built environment while working as developers. They conveyed to me that understanding finance and being part of the development team was one of the best ways to shape a city. My first job was with an affordable housing developer rehabbing historic hotels into permanent supportive housing. They were right!

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Williamsburg! I moved there in 1997 and still live there today. While it would be great to live closer to Prospect or Central Park, my neighborhood represents my ideal New York.  A mix of incomes, races and housing types where I know the business owners and my neighbors.  It also has my favorite bike shop, restaurant, bar and barbershop all within 3 blocks.  While it’s changed a lot, it is still a wonderful neighborhood. 

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
Through my consulting firm Ideas and Action, I worked with the Corporation for Supportive Housing last year looking at impediments and opportunities for BIPOC developers of affordable housing. It involved analyzing the Low Income Housing Qualified Allocation Plans for 7 different states and holding focus groups of developers from around the country about what they are seeing in the market. Getting that insight, post covid and pre-rate hikes, was fun and insightful. 

Shaun Osher is the CEO and founder of CORE, the number one boutique real estate marketing and sales company in New York. Shaun is widely recognized as an innovative and creative marketing and branding expert, with over 50 projects and $10 billion in sales under his leadership. A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Shaun graduated from The New School in 1994.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
I came to the US to pursue a career as a jazz musician. After getting a music degree at The New School, I began working professionally. As my gigs were at night, I had my days open to work. Real estate, with its flexibility, proved to be a good fit. But I never gave up my sax – I still play every day.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
I am partial to those I have called home – the Village, West Village and Hudson Square areas. It’s the heart of New York – or, at least, my New York. I went to college there, played in every club there, and made it my home for many years. And if I go out for the night, I guarantee you will find me there hitting the Vanguard or grabbing a bite at Jeffrey’s Grocery.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
There are too many I have enjoyed for a variety of reasons. The Cortland, Rose Hill, The Marlow, The Harper, Wonderlofts – there are too many to name. A few years ago, I committed to myself and my team to only work with developers we respect, and on projects we believe in. If you believe in your work and the people you are doing it with, the process will always generate the best result. Always.

Frederick Warburg Peters is president of Coldwell Banker Warburg. Peters, a 40+ year veteran of the New York real estate industry, has made a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and expertise the calling card for Warburg, the company he started in 1991 and which bears his middle name. Peters, the recipient of numerous awards from The Real Estate Board of New York, where he serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, was also the first real estate practitioner in the country invited to write a regular column for Forbes. He remains one of the most quoted experts on real estate in both Manhattan and national media.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
I became fascinated by floor plans when I was a graduate student in music. The good ones have a harmony and proportion which sings.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Upper West Side, where I live. The UWS drew me first because of its diversity and the low-rise mid-block townhouses which make the sky visible from everywhere. Then as the neighborhood evolved and more high end restaurants and boutiques came into the neighborhood it developed an increasingly vibrant street life. Today on the UWS we enjoy the best of both worlds: a broad group of residents who get to enjoy a panoply of services.

Scott Rechler is the CEO and chairman of RXR, an innovative investor, developer and place-maker committed to applying a customer and community-centered approach to building properties, services, and products that create enduring value for all stakeholders. With an aggregate gross asset value of $22.4 billion, including a multi-family residential portfolio of over 8,000 units under operation or development, RXR seeks to build and create stronger communities within its buildings and within the areas in which it operates.