Mayor Zohran Mamdani didn’t show up to the Real Estate Board of New York’s spectacular 130th annual bash at the Waldorf-Astoria on Thursday. (No doubt he was consumed with the fine points of organizing snowplows.) But a jubilant Gov. Kathy Hochul was there, exhorting the 1,100 movers and shakers to “Build, baby build” — drawing robust cheers from dealmakers who seemed oblivious to the new mayor’s snub.
The REBNY bash looked, sounded and tasted like a celebration, notwithstanding political and economic uncertainties. It marked the first time the event was held in the landmarked Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf, which reopened last year after an eight-year restoration. The symbolic, I-Love-New York choice of venue reflected a resurgent 2025 for Big Apple real estate, the industry that generates more tax revenue for municipal coffers than any other.
(Lest anyone forget, the year saw investment sales hit the $11 billion mark, up 26% over 2024; 33 million square feet of office space leased, reducing vacancy to 14%; and a record 313 leases signed for above $100 per square foot).
REBNY president James Whelan and chairman Jed Walentas held court. Many real estate executives and brokers made lots of money last year, and the laughter and buzz acknowledged it. Although few male attendees wore “optional” black tie, most — like their female counterparts — came stylishly dressed for the Oscars-style red carpet, where attire glittered beneath the chandeliers.
The evening’s eight honorees interviewed under bright lights by Lois Weiss included Jeffrey Gural, Winston Fisher and Fried Frank partners Anita Laremont and David Karnovsky.
REBNY bills the bash as “the premier networking event” for the real estate industry, but many seemed just as interested in eating, drinking and enjoying the Waldorf’s magnificently restored landmark rooms. One marveled, “The acoustics were really good and you could actually hear the speeches” — a departure from years-ago events at the New York Hilton when chattering guests drowned them out.
Nobody missed the event’s previous home of three years, the Glasshouse on distant 12th Avenue. “I know they wanted to make it more informal,” said one guest who spoke anonymously so as not to offend REBNY. “But they went too far and basically reduced it to just another real estate schmooze.”
All hands feasted on dinner prepared by Michael Anthony of Waldorf restaurant Lex Yard, who’s also the chef of Gramercy Tavern. Guests noshed on a winterized version of (naturally) Waldorf salad, followed by braised beef short ribs with heirloom parsnips, carrots and squash.
Developers we spotted included Douglas Durst, David W. Levinson, George and Marian Klein, Dan Brodsky, Joseph Moinian, Bill Rudin, Hal Fetner, Marty Burger, Mary Ann Gilmartin, Jonathan Resnick and the Elghanayan clan — Tom, Fred and Jake.
Representing landlord, brokerage and legal ranks were Mary Ann Tighe, Steven Durels, Barry Gosin, Peter Riguardi, Rick Nasti, Leslie Himmel, John Cefaly, Joanne Podell, Bruce Mosler, Gary Rosenberg, Garrett Armwood and Ryan Serhant.
Deputy mayor for housing and planning Leila Bozorg was the highest-ranking City Hall emissary. Other government names included state Attorney General Tish James, MTA chair Janno Lieber, Council Speaker Julie Menin and former city planning director Daniel Garodnick.
Nobody sweated over Mamdani’s absence. “We look forward to hosting Mayor Mamdani at future events,” Whelan said. “We resume our focus on working with city officials and other stakeholders on practical, data driven steps to address issues such as the city’s housing crisis and continued economic growth.”
