News

On Wednesday, November 19, we hosted Josephine Zurica, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, CPHC of Pennoni, who delivered a fascinating talk on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering challenges involved in office-to-residential conversions in NYC. Transforming large office buildings into multifamily housing often requires significant additions or...

On October 15, 2025, we had the honor of hosting scholar and writer (and LAI NY chapter member) Howard Husock, who discussed his new book,  The Projects: A New History of Public Housing (NYU Press).  He was interviewed by journalist and author Benjamin Schneider.  The two engaged...

LAI International just held its annual Land Economics Gathering in Montreal, Canada, from September 11-13, 2025.  Representing the New York chapter were chapter President Jason Barr and LAI member Michael Lappin.  It was an amazing three days of events focused on Montreal’s real estate, land use, and history. Day...

On September 17th, LAI New York chapter members and guests had the rare and fantastic opportunity to tour the Empire State Building from bottom to top (from the basement plant to the 102nd story observatory) with Dana Schneider, Senior Vice President, Director of Energy and Sustainability at...

On August 12, 2025 we held our Happy Hour Social at Annie Moore’s Pub in Midtown, Manhattan.  It was great turnout with many LAI members and guests.  A fun time was had by all, with excellent networking opportunities and vital discussions about real estate and land use....

On June 17, 2025, Bob Knakal, LAI member and Chairman and CEO of BKREA, along with his team, graciously hosted a happy hour for LAI members and guests at his famous Map Room, which contains maps of Manhattan’s key development parcels and recent transactions.  LAI members were treated to...

On May 21, 2025, our Chapter held a panel discussion on the causes and consequences of the rent regulations law known as the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) of 2019.  The panelists were LAI member and low-income housing developer Michael Lappin of MLappin & Associates...

On April 23, members of our Chapter, along with NYC chapter members of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), were treated to a site tour of 270 Park Avenue, the future global headquarters of JPMorgan Chase.  The tour offered a unique opportunity to witness...

On Monday, March 17, 2025 we were tremendously grateful and honored to welcome New York City Planning Commissioner Daniel Garodnick and Annemarie Gray, Executive Director of Open New York, to speak at our March meeting.  The turnout, discussion, and energy in the room embodied LAI’s mission of...

On February 19, 2025 we had the pleasure of hosting Fred Harris, the Executive Vice President of Multifamily Development at Vornado Realty Trust.  Mr. Harris played a key role in shaping New York City’s housing landscape over his distinguished 30-year career.  Fred took us on a vivid...