Meeting/Event Information

NAIOP NYC Metro’s inaugural graduate student case competition - reimagining urban commercial infill development in a dynamic cultural corridor

Join us on April 16 from 3:30 to 8:00 pm for team presentations, judging, and the winner announcement, followed by a closing cocktail reception courtesy of Greenberg Traurig - with an open bar and bites. 

Important information for attendees:

The competition will begin promptly at 4 pm.  Please plan to arrive between 3:30 and 3:45 pm.

Location
Greenberg Traurig
One Vanderbilt Avenue, 29th FL
The main entrance to the building is located on Vanderbilt Avenue, directly across from Grand Central Terminal. 

Entry to Building:  You will receive a QR code building guest pass via email from “One Vanderbilt” the day before the event.  You must present this code for building access.  Please be prepared to show your guest pass and photo ID at the security desk upon arrival.  If you are unable to locate your guest pass email, please check your spam folder.

__________

The Mission: The inaugural NAIOP NYC Metro University Challenge tasks top-tier graduate programs with a high-stakes mission: transform a prime 35,000 SF urban infill site into a landmark development. Located in a historic M1-5 zone within Manhattan’s premier West Side cultural district, this site represents the complexity and opportunity of modern New York City real estate.

The Contenders:   

• Baruch College (Zicklin School of Business)

• Columbia University (GSAPP)

• Cornell University (Barker Program in Real Estate)

• Fordham University (Real Estate Institute)

• NYU Schack (Institute of Real Estate)

• Spain's IE University (School of Architecture and Design)

• University at Buffalo (School of Architecture and Planning)

The Challenge: Teams will act as developers, navigating the intricacies of:

• Market & Demographic Analysis: Identifying the "Highest and Best Use."

• Development Feasibility: Mastering the pro forma and capital stack.

• Zoning & Entitlement Strategy: Navigating the complexities of M1-5 historic districts, including the unique sub-market for transferable development rights ("air rights") in the Special West Chelsea District.

• Design & Sustainability: Crafting a sensible and attractive project that respects neighborhood character and the natural environment.

• In-Person Presentation: 3 Finalist teams will be presenting to a mock Investment Committee of VIP veterans from the NYC commercial real estate community.

Competition Deliverables:

• Market analysis and financial pro forma

• Site and architectural design concept

• Entitlements and community engagement strategy

• Maximization of public benefits, including social and sustainability goals

• Development budget and financing plan

• Construction timeline and phasing strategy

• Rental vs condo analysis

Prizes:

• Grand Prize - $7,500 to the winning team

• Runner Up Prize - $2,500 to the runner-up team

Thank you to our Sponsors for all their support!

Host Sponsor

Sponsors

Industry Advisors