In their words...
The funniest and most insightful comments on real estate
“One57, that ugly monster, is an atrocity, in my opinion.”
RFR Holding’s Aby Rosen, taking a potshot at Extell Development’s new condo project One57. He went on to praise Harry Macklowe’s 432 Park Avenue, saying “it’s of equal size, but far more nimble and elegant and timeless.”
“There have been a lot of zigs and zags, but ultimately we have been successful.”
Port Authority vice-chair and RXR Realty head Scott Rechler, on the agency’s board avoiding having to hand over a $1.2 billion subsidy for Silverstein Properties’ 3 World Trade Center.
“It’s not the number one thing we’re working on right now.” Deputy mayor for housing and economic development Alicia Glen, being candid about the pace of Midtown East rezoning.
“It is certainly the stamp of kosher for that discussion.” LIVWRK Holdings’ Asher Abehsera, on what Etsy’s 200,000-squarefoot lease means for Dumbo’s reputation as a destination for the creative class. 26 July 2014 www.TheRealDeal.com
“My currency in this world is my contacts.”
Leonard Boxer, the head of Stroock Stroock & Lavan’s real estate practice, on sharing his giant Rolodex with his three sons to give them an edge in the business.
“Whatever you think is crazy, just triple it.” One57 interior designer Thomas Juul-Hansen, on the luxe tower’s outrageous embellishments.
“It might as well be a pinwheel.” Urban Green Council’s Russell Unger, saying that the energy being generated by small wind turbines atop tall towers in New York City isn’t worth the effort.
“Suburbs are like cholesterol — there’s good and there’s bad, all to be sensibly calibrated.” Robert A.M. Stern, architect, on the right way to approach suburban development.
“It may drive the same feeding frenzy, but it still has all the blemishes it had before.” Richard LeFrak, on whether he’d make another bid for the mammoth StuyTown complex, now that it appears to be heading back to the auction block.
“Because of the asking rent, we are not able to really put anything over the finish line.” The Durst Organization’s Douglas Durst, on the need to slash 1 WTC rents by 10 percent to get more leasing deals done. Sources: Surface Magazine, CityLab, New York Daily News, Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, New York Times.