Author: Lera Covington

Lera is a third-year dual degree candidate pursing an MPS in Real Estate and Masters of Regional Planning at the Baker Program of Real Estate and the Department of City and Regional Planning. Lera has a passion for transforming communities through the power of real estate. Upon completion of her studies at Cornell, Lera intends to embark on a career in real estate acquisitions and development, focusing on residential and mixed-use projects that have a positive social impact.

Paul Macpherson, Seasoned Real Estate Executive, Reflects on 35+ Year Career Across the Globe

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On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Baker Program in Real Estate had the pleasure of hosting Paul Macpherson for the Distinguished Speaker Series.  This marked Mr. Macpherson’s third time participating in the Baker Program Distinguished Speaker Series.  Having recently retired from his role as Executive Vice President of Global Business & Real Estate Development with… Continue Reading Paul Macpherson, Seasoned Real Estate Executive, Reflects on 35+ Year Career Across the Globe

2019 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS SERIES: LERA COVINGTON, LENDLEASE

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This summer I had the privilege of working as a Summer Acquisitions Associate with Lendlease’s New York City office.  Lendlease is an Australian-based firm that offers services in construction, development and investments.  The company was founded in 1958 by Dick Dusseldorp.  Mr. Dusseldorp was a pioneer in his application of the triple bottom line approach… Continue Reading 2019 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS SERIES: LERA COVINGTON, LENDLEASE

Is a Multi-branded Hotel the Right Option for You? Things to Consider Before Investing in a Multi-Branded Hotel Asset

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Have you ever heard the phrase “kill two birds with one stone?”  If so, you are not alone.  The growing number of dual- and triple-branded hotels opening up across the U.S. suggests that many hospitality owners, developers and brands are expertly applying this logic to the lodging industry.  Dual- and triple-branded hotels, jointly referred to… Continue Reading Is a Multi-branded Hotel the Right Option for You? Things to Consider Before Investing in a Multi-Branded Hotel Asset

DSS Wrap-Up: Jeffrey Resetco, Senior Director – Development with Greystar (formerly EdR)

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On Thursday, January 31st the Spring 2019 Distinguished Speaker Series kicked off with a phenomenal presentation by Jeffrey Resetco, Senior Director of Development with Greystar, formerly EdR Collegiate Housing.  Prior to its merger with Greystar in September 2018, EdR was one of the largest student housing developers in the country.  In his current role, Mr.… Continue Reading DSS Wrap-Up: Jeffrey Resetco, Senior Director – Development with Greystar (formerly EdR)

The Ugly Duckling Turns a Profit: Investing in Manufactured Home Communities

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Manufactured home communities, formerly referred to as trailer parks, are often the overlooked “ugly duckling” of the residential real estate market.  Sometimes viewed as lowbrow or unappealing, manufactured housing is often ignored by real estate investors.   Illustrative of this fact, the 5 Reasons Not to Invest In Mobile Homes post on The BiggerPockets Blog site… Continue Reading The Ugly Duckling Turns a Profit: Investing in Manufactured Home Communities

2018 Summer Internships: Lera Covington, Albanese Organization, Inc. (4 min)

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  I entered the Baker Program in Real Estate in 2017 as a career switcher.  Having cut my teeth in the financial services industry, I desired to pivot into a career in real estate development where I could create innovative projects with positive social impact.  I decided to intern with Albanese Organization, Inc. this summer… Continue Reading 2018 Summer Internships: Lera Covington, Albanese Organization, Inc. (4 min)

DSS Wrap-up: Derek Olsen (Class of ’92), Senior Vice President with CHMWarnick (5 mins)

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On Thursday, September 6, 2018, the Baker Program in Real Estate had the privilege of hosting Derek Olsen, Class of 1992, for its Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS).  Derek is a Senior Vice President with CHMWarnick (CHMW).  CHMW is a highly regarded hospitality asset manager and provider of owner advisory services.  Derek’s responsibilities include overseeing “financial… Continue Reading DSS Wrap-up: Derek Olsen (Class of ’92), Senior Vice President with CHMWarnick (5 mins)

DSS Wrap-up: Daniel Zelson, Co-founder and Principal of Charter Realty and Development (5 mins)

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On Thursday, April 12, 2018, the Baker Program of Real Estate had the privilege of hosting Daniel Zelson, (A&S ’88), for its Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS).  Dan is Co-founder and Principal of Charter Realty and Development.  Charter is a real estate investment, development, and leasing company that specializes in retail properties.  During his visit Dan… Continue Reading DSS Wrap-up: Daniel Zelson, Co-founder and Principal of Charter Realty and Development (5 mins)

DSS Wrap-up: Nick Lembo and Kirk Goodrich of Monadnock (4 mins)

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Real estate development is a field ripe with innovation and potential for impact.  On Thursday, February 8, 2018, the Baker Program of Real Estate hosted two guests for the Distinguished Speakers Series that exemplify both of these qualities: Nick Lembo, Founder and Chairman of Monadnock Construction, Inc. and Kirk Goodrich, Vice President and Director of… Continue Reading DSS Wrap-up: Nick Lembo and Kirk Goodrich of Monadnock (4 mins)

DSS Wrap Up: Sylvia Melikian of MacFarlane Partners

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The Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate had the distinct privilege of hosting Sylvia Melikian for the Thursday, October 19th installment of the Distinguished Speakers Series (DSS).  Ms. Melikian is a 1986 graduate of the Johnson School of Business.   She is currently a Principal at MacFarlane Partners where she is responsible for overseeing the real… Continue Reading DSS Wrap Up: Sylvia Melikian of MacFarlane Partners