Breaking the Urban Doom Loop: Brian Steinwurtzel on Leading the Nation’s Largest Office-to-Resi Conversion

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Real Estate Forum

Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate at Columbia Business School

7 episodes

1 week ago

Presented by the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate at Columbia Business School, The Real Estate Forum podcast offers insights into the evolving real estate landscape—from candid conversations with thought leaders to cutting-edge research from the Milstein Research Lab. Hosted by Raphael Sidelsky, episodes feature Columbia alumni, faculty, and industry experts exploring the ideas and innovations shaping the future, from capital markets and development to sustainability and strategy. ⁠https://business.columbia.edu/realestate

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Breaking the Urban Doom Loop: Brian Steinwurtzel on Leading the Nation’s Largest Office-to-Resi Conversion

Real Estate Forum

46 minutes 53 seconds

2 months ago

Breaking the Urban Doom Loop: Brian Steinwurtzel on Leading the Nation’s Largest Office-to-Resi Conversion

In this episode of the Real Estate Forum, host Raphael Sidelsky sits down with Brian Steinwurtzel, Co-CEO and Principal of GFP Real Estate, to discuss how a third-generation member of the storied Gural family became a leading force in reimagining New York City’s real estate landscape. Brian shares the unconventional path that led him to spearhead the transformation of 4 New York Plaza into 25 Water Street—now the largest office-to-residential conversion in the United States, featuring over 1,300 Class A apartments, 25% affordable housing, and more than 100,000 square feet of amenities. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of this landmark deal, Brian’s leadership evolution within a multi-generational family firm, his outlook on the future of New York City real estate, and the critical role Columbia Business School played in shaping his career. This episode offers valuable insights into how bold vision, innovation, and community engagement can help cities escape the Urban Doom Loop and thrive in a post-pandemic world.

[00:00] Introduction Host Raphael Sidelsky introduces the podcast and its focus on real estate insights.

[01:15] Guest Introduction: Brian Steinwurtzel, co-CEO of GFP, shares his background and role in the company.

[03:30] Early Career and Real Estate Journey, Brian discusses his initial career path in technology and his transition to real estate.

[07:45] Columbia Business School Experience, Insights into Brian's education and how it shaped his career in real estate.

[12:00] Family Business Dynamics, Brian talks about joining the family business and the leadership roles he took on.

[15:30] Office to Residential Conversions, Discussion on GFP's strategy and projects in converting office spaces to residential units.

[20:00] Challenges and Opportunities in Real Estate, Brian shares the challenges faced during the pandemic and the opportunities that arose.

[25:00] Affordable Housing and Community Impact, Insights into GFP's efforts in providing affordable housing and community engagement.

[30:00] Future of Real Estate in NYC, Brian's perspective on the future of real estate development and urban living in New York City.

[35:00] Brian shares his final thoughts, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the evolving real estate landscape.

Learn more about Brian Steinwurtzel: https://www.gfpre.com/person/brian-r-steinwurtzel