Some real estate events around town are now featuring less schmoozing and more intellectual stimulation. Instead of the usual industry gatherings centered on drinks and talking shop, broker parties in New York City are taking a more cerebral turn, offering backgammon, astronomy lessons and modern art with their cocktails.
In the last two months, Arc Development, the developer of the 65-unit Solaria condominium in Riverdale, has hosted multiple star-gazing parties from the building’s rooftop observatory to kick off sales.
Members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York assisted brokers and potential buyers with the observatory’s Meade telescope, an unusual amenity for a residential building. In addition to the star-gazing, buyers and brokers had a chance to view a model apartment.
The rooftop observatory was a logical amenity for the high-rise condo, since “the Solaria is higher than other buildings in the area,” said Joseph Korff, developer of the building.
Korff said he hopes the observatory will be more than just a sales gimmick. The Amateur Astronomers Association will maintain a relationship with the condo, giving owners a chance to learn about the night sky every season. Residents of the Solaria will receive one-year memberships to the association and to the Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center Planetarium.
In another twist on brokers’ parties, the Cipriani Club Residences at 55 Wall Street welcomed 150 people in July to play backgammon in the condo development’s newly completed library. The condo began sales last year, with nine units — ranging in price from $1 to $3 million — remaining.
Brokers, investors and condo owners played to win prizes contributed by fashion designer Steven McDermott — and viewed the properties at the same time.
“Usually [guests] tend to drift off, but this time we had to push people out the door,” said Peter Acocella, chairman of the Acocella Group, a brokerage that helped organize the event. “We had an interesting mix of people in an extraordinary space. It was a good way to generate interest and also have fun.”
It isn’t all fun and games, though. Some traditional networking events are also going slightly more intellectual.
Over 2,000 industry professionals attended a networking event at the Guggenheim Museum last month held by Aaron McCann, known for hosting quarterly industry get-togethers. McCann said the museum was an obvious choice because of its cultural significance.
Attendees were able to view the art exhibits after hours and exchange business cards over drinks. Past McCann events have been held in the lobby of the Trump Tower and at luxury hotels around the nation.
“I believe the caliber of the venue and atmosphere brings a quality group of people together,” said McCann, who is also a consultant for Ackman-Ziff Real Estate. “I heard numerous times that it was the best event to date.”