David Rupert (BA Economics ’79), Vice Chairman of Griffin Capital: Investors and Tenants at the Center of Strategy

On Thursday, September 22, 2022, the Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate hosted David Rupert (BA Economics ’79), Vice Chairman of Griffin Capital, a full-service real estate investment and management company that owns institutional-quality assets across the United States. A founding board member of the Baker Program at Cornell University, Mr. Rupert’s love for teaching… Continue Reading David Rupert (BA Economics ’79), Vice Chairman of Griffin Capital: Investors and Tenants at the Center of Strategy

INVESTING IN A STRONGER NEW YORK CITY: SUSH TORGALKAR ON HIS PATH TO FOUNDING SAGE HALL PARTNERS

While most of the recent media coverage of New York City’s commercial real estate market has been grim, with Midtown Manhattan being likened to a ghost town, alongside an increase in social unrest, there are still believers in the resiliency of New York City.  Recently, Sush Torgalkar, co-founder of Sage Hall Partners, shared his story,… Continue Reading INVESTING IN A STRONGER NEW YORK CITY: SUSH TORGALKAR ON HIS PATH TO FOUNDING SAGE HALL PARTNERS

Solving the Real Estate Puzzle with Adam Greene (B.Arch ’06)

The Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate recently welcomed a distinguished alum of the Architecture, Art & Planning School to discuss real estate development in New York City.  Adam Greene is currently Senior Vice President of Development at RXR Realty and RXR’s Project Executive for 175 Park Avenue.  He previously served as principal for MAG… Continue Reading Solving the Real Estate Puzzle with Adam Greene (B.Arch ’06)

Minnows & Whales: Raising Equity for Your First Deal – A Conversation with John McNellis

There is a myriad of factors to consider when starting out as a real estate developer.  From deciding on a geographic focus, to selecting an asset class, forming relationships with key partners, and securing funding, the learning curve can be intimidating.  Paramount among these tasks is answering the age-old question of “how do I raise… Continue Reading Minnows & Whales: Raising Equity for Your First Deal – A Conversation with John McNellis

Private Solutions to Public Problems: Discussing American Infrastructure with Jose Gonzalez

Among the most relevant and pressing challenges facing the United States today is our crumbling American infrastructure. The situation is so dire that the American Society of Civil Engineers gives the US an overall grade of D+. Despite broad bipartisan support, the massive project scope, capital requirements, and time scale required of major infrastructure projects… Continue Reading Private Solutions to Public Problems: Discussing American Infrastructure with Jose Gonzalez

The Power of Purpose – A Conversation with Jonathan Rose

Now more than ever, amid the coronavirus crisis, Americans are aware of the tradeoffs between economic growth and social, environmental, and health concerns.  This is not a new paradigm; the latest crisis has simply revealed these tradeoffs in a more conspicuous light.  Much of our economy relies on extracting limited resources, tangible materials like concrete and steel for buildings as well as people’s finite energy and creativity consumed by unfulfilling work.  Real estate developer, author, and… Continue Reading The Power of Purpose – A Conversation with Jonathan Rose

A Shock Unlike Any Other – Vijay Dandapani (SHA ’87) on the State of NYC’s Hotel Market

The hotel industry in New York City has seen its fair share of macroeconomic shocks over the past few decades.  From the 1975 fiscal crisis, to the stock market crash of 1987, the terrorist attacks of September 11th, and of course the great recession in 2008 – the hotel industry in the financial capital of… Continue Reading A Shock Unlike Any Other – Vijay Dandapani (SHA ’87) on the State of NYC’s Hotel Market

MICHAEL SELLMAN (A&S ‘04), CO-CEO OF CALATRAVA GRACE: STARCHITECTURE & DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA

On Thursday, December 5th, 2019, the Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate hosted Michael Sellman (A&S ’04), Co-CEO of Calatrava Grace, a firm focused on international real estate investment and development. The firm’s other Co-CEO, Micael Calatrava leads the global operations of Santiago Calatrava, an internationally acclaimed architect.  Through his colorful lecture, Mr. Sellman introduced… Continue Reading MICHAEL SELLMAN (A&S ‘04), CO-CEO OF CALATRAVA GRACE: STARCHITECTURE & DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA

DSS WRAP-UP: DARIEN WRIGHT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT BROOKWOOD HOTELS

On Thursday, April 11th, Darien Wright joined Cornell’s Baker Program in Real Estate to lead an insightful discussion on extended stay hotels.  Mr. Wright began his tenure with Brookfield Property Partners in November of 2017 as Vice President of Asset Management and in February of 2018 ascended to his new role as the Chief Operating… Continue Reading DSS WRAP-UP: DARIEN WRIGHT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT BROOKWOOD HOTELS

DSS Wrap-Up: Daniel Sax (BPRE ’12), Sensi Properties

Baker Program in Real Estate students were treated to an engaging and lively discussion led by Daniel Sax of Sensi Properties as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series.  Based in Toronto, Mr. Sax’s real estate investment portfolio is dedicated solely to properties which operate in the medical and recreational marijuana space.  Between manufacturing, procurement, warehousing,… Continue Reading DSS Wrap-Up: Daniel Sax (BPRE ’12), Sensi Properties