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ULI SPRING MEETING ULI SPRING MEETING
Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO, United States May 12-14, 2025

Fostering Next-Generation Central Business Districts

Thu Apr 11 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time New York Hilton Midtown - Level 3, Trianon Ballroom
The panel will focus on strategies for developing vibrant, inclusive, healthy central business districts (CBDs) in the post pandemic era, particularly in the context of the work-from-home reality. Panelists will explore approaches, such as office to residential conversions and creative use of ground floor space, that have been implemented in New York City and other global cities, as well as challenges and lessons learned along the way. The panel will delve into the current status of NYC's CBD neighborhoods, including Midtown, Midtown South, and Downtown, and highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy tax base. It will explore how to reinforce the city core amidst the trend of decentralization and debate the ingredients (uses, spaces, etc.) vital to creating a healthy, thriving CBD ecosystem. The panel will highlight successful examples from other cities around the world to provide broader context, with panelists sharing insights on strategies to increase office occupancy and discuss tools and techniques for creating more activity through new uses and conversions. Additionally, it will explore approaches for transforming the public realm to be more attractive and inviting.

Speakers

Moderator

CEO Robin Hood

Born and raised in East New York Brooklyn and the son of Panamanian American immigrants, Richard R. Buery, Jr. is CEO of Robin Hood, one of the nation's leading anti-poverty organizations. Before joining Robin Hood, he led the Achievement First charter school network and managed policy and public affairs for the KIPP Foundation. As New York City Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives, Buery was…
Panelist

Senior Managing Director, Northeast Development The Rockefeller Group

Panelist

Senior Vice President Swire Properties

Kevin Davenport is a Senior Vice President of Development at Swire Properties responsible for Swire's five-million-square-foot U.S. development pipeline. Kevin was previously Senior Vice President of Development at Brookfield Properties where his primary contributions were focused on multifamily development in New York City including responsibility for Greenpoint Landing, a five-tower master-planned mixed-income rental development on the Brooklyn waterfront. Kevin also spent six years as part…
Panelist

CEO IGISNEOVALUE, Asset Management

Junho Pok currently serves as CEO of IGIS Neovalue Asset Management. His extensive industry leadership experience over 25 years in real estate development and investment brings outstanding outlook. He has invested over USD 5 billion of real estate assets across the market. Previously he was the head of Real Estate Development at IGIS Asset Management where he was responsible for commercial and residential real estate…
Panelist

Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce City of New York

Maria Torres-Springer is NYC’s Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce, spearheading the Administration’s efforts to strengthen our economy, create 500,000 homes by 2033, transform public housing, bolster small businesses and connect New Yorkers to family-sustaining jobs. Torres-Springer has a long track record of public service in NYC, having led three city agencies with over 3,000 employees and approximately $2 billion in annual operating…