New York Real Estate Board’s 130th Anniversary Celebration
Mayor Zoran Mamdani skipped the New York Real Estate Board’s 130th anniversary bash at the Waldorf Astoria on Thursday. Perhaps he was too caught up in, I don’t know, figuring out snowplow logistics? Meanwhile, Governor Cathy Hochul took center stage, rallying the crowd of 1,100 with an enthusiastic call to “assemble, baby, assemble,” which earned her some hearty applause from attendees who seemed rather unbothered by the new mayor’s apparent indifference.
Despite some looming political and economic clouds, the event felt genuinely festive. This marked the first time the gala was hosted in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf, which reopened last year following an extensive eight-year renovation. Choosing such a legendary venue signals a promising resurgence for the real estate sector in New York City, a vital source of tax revenue for the local government.
(In case you were wondering, investment sales hit $11 billion this year, a significant 26% rise compared to 2024. Around 33 million square feet of office space was leased, and vacancy rates dipped to 14%, with a staggering 313 transactions exceeding $100 per square foot.)
REBNY President James Whelan and Chairman Jed Walentas kicked things off. Last year, many people in real estate saw solid profits, and the atmosphere was lively with laughter and conversation. Although the male guests had the option of wearing black tie, many opted for a more stylish look, akin to an Oscar red carpet vibe, with their outfits glimmering under the ornate chandeliers.
The evening’s honorees included notable figures such as Jeffrey Goulart, Winston Fisher, and Fried Frank partners Anita Learmont and David Karnofsky, all interviewed under bright lights by Lois Weiss.
Promoted as the “premier networking event” for the real estate industry, many attendees appeared equally keen on dining, enjoying drinks, and soaking in the Waldorf’s exquisite ambiance. One person even remarked, “The acoustics were so good that you could actually hear the speeches,” which was refreshing compared to previous years at the New York Hilton, where chatter often overpowered presentations.
Guests didn’t seem to miss the previous venue, the Glass House on 12th Street, which hosted the event for three years. “I understand they wanted a more casual atmosphere,” one anonymous attendee commented, “but honestly, it felt a bit over the top—just a real estate extravaganza.”
Dinner was curated by Michael Anthony, the chef at Rex Yard, which is part of the Waldorf. Naturally, guests savored winter-inspired Waldorf salad accompanied by tender braised beef short ribs and a medley of heirloom parsnips, carrots, and squash.
Noteworthy developers at the event included names like Douglas Durst, David W. Levinson, George & Marian Klein, and many others from various sectors, including landlord, broker, and legal representatives.
Leila Bozorg, the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning, was the highest-ranking official from City Hall present. Other government figures included state Attorney General Tish James and MTA Chair Jano Lieber, among others.
Surprisingly, no one seemed to mind Mayor Mamdani’s absence. “We look forward to welcoming Mayor Mamdani to future events,” Whelan stated. “We’re eager to work more closely with city officials and other stakeholders to find practical, data-driven solutions to the city’s housing challenges and support ongoing economic growth.”
