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Writer's pictureEsra Karagoz

Networking and Insights from the NYC Real Estate Expo 2024


NYC Real Estate Expo: Residential vs. Commercial Panel - Featuring Ryan Serhant and Bob Knakal. The discussion focused on branding, prospecting, and social media marketing strategies, highlighting key differences between the residential and commercial real estate markets. Picture taken after the panel.

My networking journey began this summer with the AI Summit, shortly after receiving a Special Mention in the Architizer A+ Awards 2024 for the Architecture and AI category. At the summit, I connected with people who pointed me towards various NYC events. Since then, I’ve attended nearly every real estate and several tech startup events, and it’s been eye-opening to meet people from different industries who could become potential collaborators. Attending diverse events broadens your perspective and opens your mind to new possibilities.


Key takeaways from the NYC Real Estate Expo


Entrepreneurship and the Path to Success:

Don't silo yourself—surround yourself with other entrepreneurs who are at least as ambitious as you, whether as mentors or partners. This will push you forward faster. It’s a challenging journey, often filled with vivid, unsettling dreams, but if you stay persistent and think outside the box, the rewards are worth it. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t get discouraged if you’re not a superstar within a month. It’s a process. Adapt, collaborate, and stay competitive, embracing discomfort as part of your growth. Take advice with the understanding that what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.


Social Media Tips:

Use social media to build relationships, not just promote a product or service. Consistent, genuine engagement builds trust and credibility over time. Share your journey, insights, and expertise to attract followers who resonate with your values and goals. People are more likely to work with those they feel connected to.


Real Estate Insights:

Many affluent international buyers start their U.S. real estate investments in Florida due to its favorable tax environment and appeal as a global gateway, especially for Latin American and European investors. Once established, they often expand to markets like New York, where prestige and diverse opportunities are more attractive.Portugal and Dubai have also seen rising interest due to their attractive residency programs and tax benefits. However, investment trends depend on the investor’s goals—some focus on lifestyle, while others target long-term financial growth. Mortgage interest rates are unlikely to drop significantly soon, but refinancing remains an option when rates improve. This keeps investment opportunities viable even in today’s higher-rate environment. The demand for mixed-use neighborhoods is growing as remote work and entrepreneurship become more prevalent. People are increasingly looking for flexible living spaces that blend work, lifestyle, and community in one convenient location.



Current Market Trends


Retail Market: 

Retail vacancy rates are unexpectedly low, even outperforming pre-pandemic levels—a promising signal for urban retail markets. This resurgence underscores a crucial realization from recent years: the need for resilient, adaptable design that can weather the volatility of fluctuating markets and unforeseen crises, such as the pandemic. Spaces that are thoughtfully designed to accommodate evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and multifunctional uses are better positioned to not only endure but capitalize on market shifts.


In an era where unpredictability has become the norm, how can retail environments be more strategically designed to anticipate future uncertainties? Should the focus shift towards creating dynamic, flexible spaces that can transition effortlessly between retail, community, and workspace functions, ensuring resilience in the face of economic and societal disruptions?



Office Return: 

As financial firms return to 5-day office schedules, alongside tech companies like Amazon, demand for Class A office spaces in prime locations near transit hubs is rising. However, Class B and C office spaces in less favorable areas continue to face challenges, creating opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on distressed properties. These distressed spaces, often sold at reduced prices, offer investors the chance to redirect savings into costly conversion processes, making such investments more attractive.


Simultaneously, the rise of remote work, particularly among consultants and entrepreneurs, is driving demand for mixed-use developments that blend living, working, and lifestyle amenities. These mixed-use buildings cater to the evolving needs of individuals balancing work and personal life in a post-pandemic world. NYC’s City of Yes initiative seeks to streamline the conversion of underutilized office buildings into residential or mixed-use spaces, but such projects face diverse challenges:


  • Zoning and Building Codes:

    The "City of Yes" initiative, launched by the New York City Department of City Planning, aims to make zoning rules more flexible and streamlined to promote development, including sustainable and affordable housing projects, while fostering economic growth. It focuses on three main goals: reducing barriers to residential and commercial development, encouraging sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices, and fostering economic recovery post-pandemic.


    However, while "City of Yes" can be very helpful, especially in rezoning efforts, there are some important points to consider with caution:


    • Expedited Rezoning:

      The initiative makes it easier to navigate the approval process for rezoning, which traditionally can be lengthy and costly. This can help developers like you who are focused on revitalizing distressed and underutilized properties, particularly in areas like Manhattan where rezoning could unlock new potential for mixed-use or residential projects. However, even with "City of Yes," some complex projects may still face challenges with local community boards and the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), especially in areas with strong preservation interests or environmental concerns.


    • Incentives for Sustainability:

      The initiative promotes sustainability, which aligns with your focus on future-ready, zero-energy buildings. It opens the door for more innovative green building strategies that might have previously faced restrictions. But the downside is that while "City of Yes" supports sustainable designs, meeting all residential building standards (energy efficiency, safety, accessibility) can still incur significant costs, and you need to be prepared for strict compliance measures despite the flexibility in zoning.


    • Community Pushback:

      While rezoning under "City of Yes" can reduce bureaucratic obstacles, it can also lead to community pushback, especially in areas where there is concern about gentrification or disruption of neighborhood character. This may prolong the approval process through public hearings or local opposition, which could impact project timelines and costs. Proceeding with a cautious approach and conducting thorough community engagement will be essential.


    • Balancing Flexibility with Regulations:

      Though "City of Yes" reduces certain zoning barriers, navigating the specifics of New York City's building codes still requires careful attention. New codes, particularly those that relate to climate change resilience and green building, may require developers to incorporate advanced technologies or materials, which can be costly. Ensuring that these codes are fully integrated into your design and development plans early on will be important to avoid delays later in the process.


    • Not Yet in Force:

      It’s important to note that "City of Yes" is not yet in force. As of now, the initiative is still under review, and its implementation is pending approval. The final decision on whether it will be a "go" or "no-go" is expected by late 2024 or early 2025. During this period, public hearings, reviews by community boards, the City Planning Commission, and the City Council will play crucial roles in shaping its outcome. This decision will significantly impact rezoning processes and sustainable development in the future.


    In short, "City of Yes" provides a more streamlined approach to rezoning and encourages sustainable development, making it helpful for advancing projects efficiently. But caution is necessary to ensure community buy-in, compliance with stringent residential standards, and a thorough understanding of evolving zoning and building code requirements. Developers should stay updated on its progress, as the outcome will determine the future of zoning flexibility in New York City.


  • Structural and Layout Constraints

    Converting offices into residential spaces often requires significant structural modifications. Plumbing systems must be overhauled to provide kitchens and bathrooms in each unit, which are typically more spread out than in office buildings. Electrical systems also need to be upgraded to accommodate residential demands for appliances and individual unit metering. Floor loads, fire ratings, and egress pathways may need adjustment to meet residential building codes, and partitioning large open office spaces into multiple units can be challenging in terms of spatial efficiency and layout.


    Thinking Outside the Box with Amenities

    To address these constraints and simplify the conversion process, creative solutions can be employed. For instance, strategically placing communal amenities that do not require the same stringent daylight access (such as gyms, lounges, or co-working spaces) in areas with limited natural light can optimize the floor plate. Introducing rooftop gardens, atriums, or interior courtyards to improve daylight penetration and offer desirable amenities can also make conversions more feasible while enhancing the overall living experience.


    By rethinking how spaces are used and introducing flexible, innovative amenity designs, conversions from office to residential can become more practical without compromising the quality of living spaces.


  • Environmental Concerns:

    Older buildings often contain hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, and mold, which pose significant challenges during conversions. Removing or encapsulating these materials is expensive and time-consuming, requiring specialized contractors and compliance with strict environmental regulations.


    For example:


    • Asbestos:

      Widely used in insulation and fireproofing materials before the 1980s, asbestos is dangerous when disturbed during renovation. Abatement costs can add 10-20% to the project budget, as seen in the conversion of older office buildings into residential units in cities like New York.


    • Lead Paint:

      Common in buildings constructed before 1978, lead paint removal is required to prevent poisoning. In adaptive reuse projects like school-to-housing conversions, lead remediation can significantly extend timelines and increase costs.


    • Mold:

      Water-damaged buildings often have mold issues that must be mitigated to ensure indoor air quality. This is typical in older properties like abandoned warehouses, where mold can spread throughout walls and ceilings, requiring extensive cleanup.


    Addressing these environmental concerns is critical to ensure the safety and habitability of converted buildings, but it adds both complexity and financial burden to the redevelopment process.


  • Demolition vs. Adaptive Reuse:

    When developers are deciding between adaptive reuse and demolition for a project, they must consider both economic and sustainability factors to determine the best return on investment (ROI). Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as more stakeholders prioritize environmentally friendly practices and as governments offer incentives for green building practices. Here are key considerations for both options, along with suggestions on how to optimize solutions:


    Sustainability Considerations


    Adaptive Reuse:


    • Environmental Impact:

      Reusing an existing structure reduces the need for new materials, lowering the environmental footprint. It also avoids the waste generated from demolishing a building.

    • Energy Efficiency Upgrades:

      Older buildings can be retrofitted with modern, energy-efficient systems like HVAC, lighting, and insulation, making them more sustainable and compliant with green certifications like LEED.

    • Embodied Carbon:

      By maintaining the existing structure, adaptive reuse conserves the embodied carbon already present in the materials. Demolishing and rebuilding requires additional energy and resources, increasing carbon emissions.

    • Historical Preservation:

      Adaptive reuse can preserve a building's cultural and historical significance, which can add value to the project.


    Demolition and Rebuilding:


    • Flexibility in Design:

      Demolition allows for more design flexibility and the possibility of creating a highly energy-efficient building from the ground up. New materials can be used to optimize performance, but this comes with higher upfront environmental and financial costs.

    • Material Innovation:

      If a new building is constructed, developers can use sustainable materials such as low-carbon concrete, recycled steel, and green roofs, potentially offsetting some of the environmental impact.

    • Energy Performance:

      A new building can be designed to exceed modern energy efficiency standards, potentially outperforming what could be achieved through retrofitting an older building.

    • Long-term Viability:

      A new structure may offer longer-term resilience if built to modern climate and environmental standards, including considerations for rising sea levels, extreme weather events, or energy demands.


    Economic Considerations


    Adaptive Reuse:


    • Cost Savings:

      Adaptive reuse often costs less than demolition and rebuilding, as developers save on labor and material costs. It also reduces expenses related to disposing of demolition waste.


    • Faster Timelines:

      Redeveloping an existing structure can lead to faster project completion, as much of the existing infrastructure (foundations, walls) remains intact.


    • Tax Incentives:

      Many local governments offer tax incentives, grants, or credits for adaptive reuse projects, especially those involving historic properties or projects that aim for sustainability certifications.


    • Zoning and Permitting:

      Zoning and permits for demolition can be more complex and time-consuming, especially in urban areas. Reusing a structure might circumvent these hurdles if the property is grandfathered into existing zoning.


    Demolition and Rebuilding:


    • Maximizing Buildable Area:

      In some cases, demolition allows developers to maximize the buildable area by increasing the floor-to-area ratio (FAR) or by rethinking the layout and height restrictions. This can lead to higher future revenue.


    • Modern Building Code Compliance:

      While adaptive reuse projects may need expensive updates to meet modern building codes, a new build ensures compliance from the start and may have lower long-term maintenance costs.


    • Attractiveness to Tenants:

      A new building can be designed to cater to current market demands (e.g., energy-efficient office spaces, flexible live-work areas) and appeal to higher-end tenants, potentially driving higher rents.


    Optimizing Solutions


    • Hybrid Approach:

      In some cases, a hybrid approach might be optimal. Retaining key structural elements while replacing outdated systems and expanding certain areas allows developers to balance sustainability with financial goals.


    • Life-Cycle Cost Analysis:

      Developers should perform a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to evaluate the long-term economic benefits and sustainability of adaptive reuse versus demolition. LCCA can reveal savings through energy efficiency upgrades, reduced operational costs, and lower maintenance needs.


    • Carbon Offsetting:

      For new builds, incorporating carbon offset programs, using renewable energy, and utilizing recycled or low-carbon materials can mitigate some of the negative environmental impacts.


    • Circular Economy:

      In demolition scenarios, implementing circular economy principles by salvaging and reusing materials from the old structure (e.g., bricks, steel beams, and flooring) can reduce the environmental cost and even generate revenue through material sales.


    • Smart Building Technology:

      Whether reusing or rebuilding, developers can enhance sustainability and long-term value by integrating smart technologies such as IoT sensors, adaptive lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and real-time energy monitoring to optimize building performance.


    Choosing between adaptive reuse and demolition depends on various factors, including sustainability goals, project costs, regulatory hurdles, and long-term ROI. Adaptive reuse typically aligns with sustainability goals by preserving embodied carbon, reducing waste, and leveraging tax incentives. However, demolition followed by a new build can offer design flexibility, long-term durability, and modern amenities.

    Optimizing the solution involves balancing sustainability with financial performance through advanced planning, tax incentives, energy-efficient retrofits or construction, and sustainable material sourcing.


  • Unforeseen Issues:

    Structural or compliance problems that arise during the conversion process can cause delays and further increase costs.


Despite these hurdles, the combination of reduced prices for distressed properties and strategic investment in conversions presents a potential solution to revitalize underutilized office spaces. The key question is whether these efforts can keep pace with demand, or if the complexity of conversions will slow progress.



Tourism and Hotel Industry:

Tourism in NYC is rebounding strongly post-pandemic, yet the new Citywide Hotel Special Permit has introduced significant challenges for developers. While the permit aims to ensure responsible hotel growth and avoid over-saturation in certain areas, it has made new projects more difficult to justify due to the lengthy and expensive approval process. As a result, we’ve seen hotel room prices rise sharply as demand outpaces new supply.


On one hand, the law addresses valid concerns about balancing tourism with neighborhood development and ensures thoughtful urban planning. On the other hand, it may be limiting much-needed hotel growth at a time when tourism is booming.


Do you think this regulation strikes the right balance between protecting neighborhoods and supporting the hospitality industry?


How should the city adapt to the growing demand for hotel rooms?


Let’s discuss!



To Explore More on these subjects:


  1. Architizer A+ Awards 2024 – Special Mention in Architecture and AI Category: Discover more about the award and my project from the Architizer A+ Awards winners page and the featured project FlowSpace Riverine Work Retreat.

  2. Generative AI Summit | New York 2024:

    Networking insights from AI-focused events can be explored at the AI Summit 2024 official website.

  3. NYC Real Estate Expo 2024:

    Information on panel discussions and industry insights can be found at the NYC Real Estate Expo website.

  4. City of Yes Initiative – New York City Department of City Planning:

    For details on the "City of Yes" initiative, refer to the NYC Department of City Planning.

  5. Real Estate Trends and Insights:

    Explore global real estate trends, including insights into international buyers and Florida’s real estate market, through resources from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), CBRE, and articles from Forbes Real Estate.

  6. Retail Vacancy and Adaptive Design

    Post-pandemic retail trends and adaptive design strategies can be explored through reports by Cushman & Wakefield and JLL, or through articles from Bloomberg and The Real Deal.

  7. Office Space Demand and Distressed Properties

    Data on the return to office trends and challenges with distressed properties can be found in reports from CBRE and Colliers, as well as articles from The New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

  8. Tourism and Hotel Industry – NYC Special Permit

    Learn more about the Citywide Hotel Special Permit and its impact on hotel development from the NYC Planning website and articles from The Real Deal or Hotel Management.







© 2024 by Esra Karagoz | All Rights Reserved.

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