The Fried, Frank annual holiday party at Cipriani 42nd Street is the one by which other real estate soirees are judged — and the best informal barometer of the industry’s mood.
The bash returned in full force on Dec. 5 after three years of Covid-influenced shrinkage. Law firm real estate chairman Jon Mechanic, the ever-ebullient host, said, “There was real energy in the room. There was a sense of optimism about the resurgence of New York.
“Some deals that were quiescent are back live. There’s more paper being traded, letters of intent and term sheets. And more people are back in the office.”
Nearly 1,000 power players filled the great hall. The development world was represented by Bill Rudin and Michael Rudin, Vornado’s Michael Franco, SL Green’s Andy Levine, Harry Sitomer and Steve Durels, RXR’s Scott Rechler, WatermanCLARK’s Ric Clark, Alexander Durst, George and Marian Klein, Empire State Building titan Tony Malkin, Joseph Moinian, and Tom and Jake Elghanayan.
From the investment-sale ranks were Eastdil legend Roy March and Branton Realty Services’ Woody Heller. Leasing dealmakers included CBRE’s Stephen Siegel and Mary Ann Tighe, retail whiz Jeff Sutton, Cushman & Wakefield’s John Cefaly and Bruce Mosler, and Newmark’s Jimmy Kuhn.