Sunday 15 October
Welcome to NYC: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Connect with your industry colleagues and enjoy a thrilling perspective of the city atop Midtown’s tallest skyscraper.Â
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a transformational experience unlike any other. New York City’s newest immersive cultural experience which seamlessly blends elements of art, technology and entertainment for an unforgettable journey.
Monday 16 October
Networking Ice Breaker session
Office tour of SOM with Martin Tolentino, Associate, Senior Manager – Business Development, SOM
Connecting with the real estate board of New York
Speaker:
For more than 125 years, REBNY has been the foremost voice of the property industry, representing the City’s agents and brokers; building owners, managers and developers; and an increasingly diverse array of other professionals involved in real estate throughout the five boroughs.
REBNY support members by providing the real-time resources, services and information needed to help them do business in the City that never sleeps.
Similar to the Property Council, they advocate for our members by working with government officials and other stakeholders to promote sensible policies that strengthen the City’s economy and foster a healthy business environment.
Understanding the New York story
Speaker:
A keynote address tying the Study Tour’s key projects together to demonstrate how individual projects- whether they be mega projects or placemaking projects, fit together to reshape New York.
Meet the man credited for leading urban renewal in New York.
Carl Weisbrod is a national authority on city planning, affordable housing policy, urban development, and public-private real estate development. In his four decades of experience, Carl has served the City of New York in many capacities– most recently, as Chairman of the New York City Planning Commission and Director of the New York City Department of City Planning. Prior to these appointments, Carl was a Partner at HR&A, where he managed the successful rezoning of the Hudson Square area in Manhattan, which has transformed the neighborhood into a dynamic hub for creative industries and new housing, including up to 700 affordable units.
The tale of NYC’s multifamily/build-to-rent market
Speakers:
Multifamily investment sales in the US continue to boom. With recent tax changes made by the Australian Government to encourage investment in build-to-rent housing that could result in an additional 150,000 homes over the next ten years, what are the lessons learnt from across the globe?
Multifamily experts George Tietjen and Samantha Davis from leading American real estate investment firm Sentinel Real Estate Corporation (Sentinel), will provide a briefing on the US multifamily market at Sentinel’s New York corporate headquarters.
Mr. Tietjen and Ms. Davis will speak to topics including the evolution of the US multifamily sector, current market dynamics and what’s involved in successfully managing high-quality rental communities. They will also present a selection of case studies from varied sub-markets in Sentinel’s extensive US multifamily portfolio.
The briefing will be followed by lunch and a short Q&A session.
Reimagine, rebuild, renew: The expansion of Midtown West
One of the state’s major projects is continuing to redevelop Midtown West, with a plan to create 196,000 jobs, new outdoor spaces, affordable housing, improved public transit and pedestrian connections, and bring commercial and affordable housing opportunities to this Manhattan neighborhood.
From construction innovation that has redefined the New York skyline to the transformation of an out-of-use railroad, experience Midtown West first-hand, hear from the leaders and teams who brought these projects to life including:
Moynihan Station
Manhattan West
Moynihan Connector / The High Line
Hudson Yards
Leisure time
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Welcome dinner and fireside chat – Insights from an expert in the US market
Host:
Speaker:
David Green is a Master Planning Urban Design Leader and Principal based in Arup’s New York office. He has over thirty years of experience in large-scale planning and urban design projects, encompassing all types of development from individual buildings to national scale projects across the globe. David’s work focuses on sustainable planning and development in urban areas and the design and metrics that facilitate their success. He further addresses the regulatory framework within which this development occurs and provides innovative strategies for appropriate design and policy implementation.
Including a Q&A with an Australian living in NYC, leading an initiative empowering entrepreneurial women
Location: Beauty & Essex
146 Essex St, New York
Overnight at Freehand New York
Tuesday 17 October
Brooklyn Bridge walk
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, more than 100,000 vehicles, 10,000 pedestrians, and 4,000 cyclists cross the bridge daily. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. The historic and iconic bridge is one of the most recognizable in the country and connects the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River.
The Amberly: A world-class build-to-rent development
Go behind the scenes of one of the best build-to-rent developments in the Northern Hemisphere. Join us for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Brooklyn’s The Amberly, a world class large-scale, mixed-use development anchored by 270 apartments.
Hear directly from the project team as they discuss the evolution of the project from conception through to completion.
NYC market trends & Insights into Multifamily/build-to-rent
Speakers:
Moderator:
DUMBO: The most Instagramable burrow in New York
Speaker:
DUMBO is still one of the most Instagramable Burrows in New York, it is also NYC’s most expensive, tech-heavy neighbourhood. Originally an industrial area packed with factories and warehouses, DUMBO — which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — became popular among artists in the 1990s and early 2000s before transitioning into the tech hub that it is today.
Time Out Market
Brooklyn’s most iconic building transformed: The Refinery at Domino
Speakers:
Hosted by CBRE
The Refinery at Domino Sugar, one of Brooklyn’s most iconic buildings has been transformed into a modern high-end workspace.
The design of the adaptive reuse project, led by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) began in 2017 with the purpose of reimagining the monument to become a point of connection between the existing neighbourhood and the recaptured waterfront. The building now features 15 stories of office space, approximately 460,000 square feet, complete with retail spaces, communal workspaces, a private club, and event spaces.
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The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
Experience the fun and nostalgia of The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, where vintage charm meets modern entertainment. Enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition, great company, and good old-fashioned shuffleboard in the heart of Brooklyn.
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Freehand New York
Wednesday 18 October
Transformation of Bryant ParkÂ
Unpack the art and science of placemaking with the man behind the transformation of Bryant Park, the quintessential urban park case study and a Manhattan landmark.
Speaker: Dan Biederman, President, Biederman Redevelopment Ventures
Dan Biederman is the founder and president of BRV Corp., as well as co-founder of Grand Central Partnership, the Chelsea Improvement Company, 34th Street Partnership, and Bryant Park Corporation; he currently serves as the President of the latter two of those downtown management organizations. Mr. Biederman and BRV consult public and private parties on, among other things, the art of downtown management, economic development, and rehabilitation in New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Newark, and a host of other cities in various countries.
Located in the space formerly known as World Financial Centre – an area skewed to the stereotypical office, Brookfield Place exemplifies how rebranding and curated redevelopment can transform an underappreciated space into a vital and authentic neighbourhood landmark. The site displays 750 000 square meters of office, retail, arts and dining destinations as well as public place and a waterfront plaza. With 500 000 people visiting the complex every week, Brookfield place is filled with tourists and office workers through the week and tourists and residents on the weekend.
9/11 Memorial
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum commemorates the victims of the 9/11 and 1993 terrorist attacks and pays tribute to the responders. The design of the memorial was selected after an international design competition involving 5201 intrants from 63 countries. In 2004, Reflecting absence, by The Israeli-American architect Michel Arad of Handel Architects and landscape architect Peter Walker was chosen to design the Memorial. The construction managed by Lendlease costed $700 million and was funded by public funds and fundraising. The 9/11 Memorial and museum is today a civic space for contemplation and healing in the heart of Manhattan.
Lunch and learn: Redesigning cities for equity and inclusion Host: Brookfield
Speaker: Vishaan Chakrabarti, Architect and urbanist
With over thirty years of experience investigating, designing, and implementing urban architecture, Vishaan Chakrabarti is the Founder and Creative Director of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism | PAU , where he leads the firm’s growing global portfolio of cultural, institutional, and public projects. Chakrabarti’s past roles—including Principal at architecture firms SHoP Architects and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, President of the Moynihan Station Venture at the Related Companies, Director of the Manhattan Office for the New York Department of City Planning in the Bloomberg administration, and the William W. Wurster Dean of the College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley.
While serving under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chakrabarti successfully collaborated on the efforts to save the High Line, extend the #7 subway line, rebuild the East River Waterfront, expand the Columbia University campus, and reincorporate the street grid at the World Trade Center site after the events of 9/11.
Oculus Transport Hub
Host: AECOMÂ
The Oculus Transportation Hub is one of the most convenient places to access in the city. The hub replaces the PATH train station that was destroyed during the 9/11 terrorist attack. After 12 years in construction, its centrepiece is the Oculus, a glass and steel structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, which is designed to look like a dove in flight. At 800,000 square feet, this space features a mezzanine, retail space, and access to the station’s four underground platforms.
Economic Partnerships between Australia and the US
Speaker: Heather M. Ridout AO, Consul-General New York
The Australian Consul-General in New York represents the Australian Government in New York City. The Consulate-General is responsible for raising awareness of Asia-Pacific issues in the United States through contacts with New York-based media, think tanks, educational institutions and cultural organisations. Ms Ridout has four decades of experience in business and public affairs including as former Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, Chair of AustralianSuper, member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and board member of the Rand Corporation in Australia.
Ms Ridout has four decades of experience in business and public affairs including as former Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, Chair of AustralianSuper, member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and board member of the Rand Corporation in Australia.
Leisure time
Group dinner
Overnight at Freehand New York
Thursday 19 October
A new workplace of the future: 50 Hudson Yards
Host: Foster & Partners
50 Hudson Yards establishes a new blueprint for the modern office building. The soaring tower covers an entire city block and right at its peak sits Upstairs at 50 Hudson Yards, which has been defined as the most remarkable new office spaces in the City.
The tower was completed in 2022 and will reset expectations for commercial tenants and set a new standard for the workplace of the future with a working environment flooded with natural light, multiple dedicated lobbies and large amenity-laden sky lobbies.
Reinventing an icon: Lever House, Park Ave
Speaker: P.J. Massey, Vice President, Leasing | U.S. Office Division, Brookfield
Host: Brookfield
A mid-century vision for the future, updated for the modern era, Lever House, New York City’s first all-glass office building, continues to inspire generations of metropolitan architecture with its revolutionary style and daring use of space.
Brookfield Properties are honouring this historic landmark with a $100 million modernization of the iconic Lever House.
Lunch and learn: Lendlease development footprint in NYC
Speakers:
Host: Lendlease
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: A newly transformed flagship store
Speaker:
Host: Arcadis
The iconic Tiffany & Co Fifth Ave has been newly transformed to reimagine the retail experience while preserving the historic identity of the original building. Marking the first general renovation in the building’s 80-year history, the project has seen an extension to the existing vertical structure and put in place an element of newness at the top.
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Freehand New YorkÂ
Friday 20 October
Cornell Tech: A modern campus for the cityÂ
Speaker: Daniel O’Shaunessey, Associate Principal, Urban Design, SOM
Hosted by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Inverting the traditional, insular campus typology into an outward-looking and inviting place, this master plan brings the academic and private sectors together to foster economic growth on a unique site along the East River in New York City.
Ride the gondola to New York’s Roosevelt Island for a briefing and site tour of Cornell Tech, an exceptional example of the world’s potential to lower the carbon footprint of real estate. From concept to delivery, sustainability was at the forefront for the entire design and construction team behind the Cornell Tech campus.
Chelsea Markets
Iconic culinary destination Chelsea Market has become an internationally renowned brand and is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world today. Located in the heart of New York City’s Meatpacking District, the market’s collection of distinctive and diverse merchants make it a beloved destination for locals and travellers alike.
Transforming Hudson River’s Pier 55
Speaker: James Angevine, Structural Engineer, Arup
Speaker: Zoe Brown, Senior Structural Engineer, ArupÂ
Host: ArupÂ
Little Island at Pier 55 is an artificial island park in the Hudson River connected to Hudson River Park, west of Manhattan. Little Island covers 10 000 square meters and rests on 132 tulip shaped pot suspended above the water giving the impression of a floating island. The island offers a new green lung and community space for new Yorkers, including various lawns, paths and plants as well as a 687- seat amphitheater and concession stands. The project opened to the public in 2021 and was designed by Heatherwick studio. The island came to life thanks to the contribution of media mogul Barry Diller and his foundation, with total funding of $260 million adding upkeep costs for the next 20 years. The site provides another example of the outstanding revitalization of Manhattan West.    Â
The Reinvention of Times Square
Speaker: Carlo Steinman, Public Space Management Coordinator, Times Square AllianceÂ
Host: Times Square AllianceÂ
The Times Square Alliance, founded in 1992, works to improve and promote Times Square – cultivating the creativity, energy and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life for over a century. As a business improvement district, the Times Square Alliance are responsible for maintaining the area and working directly with businesses to support their operations in Times Square. With more than 1,500 businesses located within the district boundaries, the BID offers a suite of services tailored to individual needs that help local businesses thrive.
Unpack the policy priorities for Times Square Alliance members as they balance the public realm for tourists and the needs of business.
Farewell dinner
Overnight at Freehand New York
Saturday 21 October
Every site tour, walking tour, briefing and keynote delivered in New York is carefully curated to deliver a holistic program of professional development learning's for delegates – centred around planning, innovation and urban development.
Study Tours are open to Property Council of Australia members only.
Answers to commonly asked questions
If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend, you must notify the organising manager in writing immediately. Refunds will be subject to the Property Council’s Terms & Conditions.
The Property Council Study Tour is a combined package and costs cannot be divided up per tour or per day. You are more than welcome to participate in a portion, however, the full rate will be charged.
As per the Property Council Study Tour Terms & Conditions, costs include accommodation. Delegates are required to stay at the hotel included in the package. Should a delegate want to upgrade their room, or make additional accommodation arrangements, this will be at the delegate’s own expense.
We will endeavour to assist you in any and all ways possible to seek medical treatment whilst on the Property Council Study Tour should you require it.
As per the event’s Terms & Conditions, delegates are responsible for taking out their own travel insurance which in this situation, will cover delegates should they require medical assistance whilst on the Property Council Study Tour.
Delegates are encouraged not to invite their partners to accompany them on Study Tours as due to restricted numbers they will not be able to join the program or social events.Â
Property Council aims to fully utilise your time during Study Tours and as such offers a full itinerary including some cultural experiences. Depending on the final itinerary, Property Council will endeavour to provide free time for shopping, sightseeing and any other activities that delegates may wish to partake in.
Attendance to any session is at all delegates’ discretion however the Property Council encourages all delegates to attend all sessions, to appreciate the full value of the tour. Should you not wish to attend certain sessions, you must notify a Property Council staff member at your earliest convenience.
Delegates will not be eligible for a refund of part refund if they do not participate in a session(s).Â
Yes. Please book your flights, accomodation and travel accordingly.
Confirmation of booking  A registration is not confirmed until full payment is made. A registration will be considered tentative pending receipt of full payment within seven (7) days.
Late registrations  Registrations made after Thursday 31 August 2023 may incur additional fees due to increased hotel rates.
Tour capacity  Property Council requires a minimum number of twenty (20) delegates for the International Study Tour to proceed. If minimum numbers are not achieved, Property Council has the right to cancel the tour…
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We are eager to work with our members to deliver exceptional experiences for delegates, and also showcase your expertise/services/people/projects/hospitality in different locations across the globe. There are many ways to get involved, from collaborating with us on a site tour to hosting a dinner for delegates. Contact Sophie Gazzoli for more information.
For registration, delegate, media or program enquiries.
Please contact the Study Tour Concierge – Tori Murray
P: +61 2 9033 1948
M: +61 430 658 732
The New York study tour group took home immense insights and takeaways from some of New York’s most influential urban development thought-leaders, policy makers and projects.
Members enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at two of the largest planned residential mixed-use developments in the country and explored premium Grade A office floors. This tour also delved into capital markets and investments in Asia, and how technology is shaping Singapore’s landscape.
Members visited London to better understand the urban renewal success story. It was an action-packed, diverse program with local leaders generously sharing their insights and expertise and the group hearing firsthand the ‘inside stories’ of a series of exceptional properties, and developments.
Members explored the city’s changing skyline, from mixed-use developments to luxury hotels, urban renewal precincts and game-changing residential developments.
Members toured through New York City over a week with site visits and sessions focused on urban renewal, placemaking and innovation.
