In a city as expensive and competitive as New York, it’s no surprise that the biggest property owners are some of the richest people in the world. But who are they? Here are the 15 biggest landowners in New York City.
1. SL Green Realty
SL Green Realty is the largest property owner in New York City, with a portfolio that includes office towers, residential buildings, and retail space. The company has a long history in the city, dating back to its founding in 1971.
Since then, it has acquired or developed some of the most iconic properties in Manhattan, including One Vanderbilt Avenue and One Madison Avenue. In recent years, SL Green has also been active in the Brooklyn market, acquiring the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and several other key assets.
As New York City continues to grow, SL Green is well-positioned to capitalise on the demand for prime real estate.
2. Related Companies
Related Companies is one of New York’s leading real estate development firms. Founded in 1972, Related has since developed or acquired nearly $60 billion worth of property.
The company is perhaps best known for its involvement in large-scale redevelopment projects, such as the Hudson Yards mega-development on Manhattan’s West Side. In addition to commercial and residential properties, Related also owns and operates a number of retail businesses, including the upscale department store chain Saks Fifth Avenue.
With a portfolio that spans the globe, Related is one of the world’s most powerful and influential real estate companies.
3. Tishman Speyer
Tishman Speyer is one of the largest property owners in New York City, with a portfolio that includes some of the most iconic buildings in the city. Founded in 1978, the firm is headquartered in New York and has offices around the world.
Tishman Speyer has a long history of developing and owning landmark properties, including the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, and the World Trade Center. In addition to its high-profile holdings in New York, Tishman Speyer also owns properties in major cities across the globe, including London, Paris, Sao Paulo, and Shanghai.
The firm is currently working on a number of major development projects in New York, including Hudson Yards and Brooklyn Point. With a track record of success in developing and owning some of the world’s most iconic properties, Tishman Speyer is one of the biggest property owners in New York City.
4. Boston Properties
Boston Properties is one of the largest real estate investment trusts in the United States and owns a portfolio of Class-A office buildings totaling over 50 million square feet. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1970 by Mortimer B. Zuckerman and Edward H. Linde.
Boston Properties boasts a diverse portfolio of properties that are located in some of the most desirable markets in the country, including New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston. The company is a publicly traded REIT and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BXP”.
As of December 31, 2016, Boston Properties had a market capitalization of $17.6 billion.
5. Brookfield Property Partners
Brookfield Property Partners, one of the largest property owners in New York, has a portfolio that includes some of the most iconic buildings in the city. The company owns office towers such as One Liberty Plaza and 7 World Trade Center, as well as retail properties such as the Brookfield Place complex in Lower Manhattan.
In total, Brookfield Property Partners owns more than 30 million square feet of space in New York City. While the company’s headquarters are based in Toronto, it has a major presence in New York and is one of the city’s largest employers.
Brookfield Property Partners is a publicly-traded company with a market capitalization of over $20 billion.
6. Silverstein Properties
Silverstein Properties is one of New York’s biggest property owners, with a portfolio that includes some of the city’s most iconic buildings. The company was founded by Larry Silverstein in 1957, and today it is one of the most respected names in the real estate industry.
Silverstein Properties is best known for its ownership of the World Trade Center, which it acquired just months before the 9/11 attacks. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Silverstein Properties worked tirelessly to rebuild the site, and today it is once again a thriving hub of activity.
The company also owns a number of other high-profile buildings in New York, including One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success, Silverstein Properties is one of New York’s premier property owners.
7. Vornado Realty Trust
Vornado Realty Trust is one of New York’s biggest property owners, with a portfolio that includes some of the city’s most iconic buildings. The company was founded in 1958 by Steven Roth and Lawrence Zicklin, and it has been a major force in the city’s real estate market ever since.
Vornado’s holdings include office towers, retail centers, and residential properties, all of which are located in some of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. The company is known for its aggressive approach to real estate development, and it has a reputation for getting the most out of its properties.
Thanks to Vornado’s savvy investing, the company’s shareholders have enjoyed consistent growth over the years. And as one of New York’s biggest landlords, Vornado plays an important role in shaping the city’s skyline.
8. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing
Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is one of New York’s leading property development and marketing companies. They are responsible for some of the city’s most iconic developments, including the High Line, Hudson Yards, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
In addition to their work in New York, Douglas Elliman has also developed properties in Los Angeles, Miami, and London. Their portfolio of completed projects is worth over $5 billion. In total, Douglas Elliman owns or manages over 15 million square feet of space in New York City.
This makes them one of the city’s largest property owners. While they are best known for their large-scale developments, Douglas Elliman also manages a number of smaller apartment buildings and commercial spaces.
Their portfolio includes over 100 properties in Manhattan alone. With such a large presence in the city, it is clear that Douglas Elliman is a major player in the New York real estate market.
9. Extell Development Company
Extell Development Company is one of New York’s biggest property owners, with a portfolio that includes some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Founded in 1989 by Gary Barnett, the company has developed a reputation for creating luxurious, high-end properties.
Notable Extell projects include the Upper West Side’s Manhattan House and the One57 luxury condominium, which was once the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. The company is currently working on several major developments, including the Central Park South condominium tower and the Hudson Yards megaproject.
With a large portfolio of high-profile properties, Extell Development Company is one of New York’s most powerful real estate developers.
10. HFZ Capital Group
HFZ Capital Group is one of the largest private real estate developers in New York City. The firm was founded in 2005 by Haim and Ziel Feldman, and it is currently run by their son, Ari Feldmen.
HFZ has been involved in some of the biggest real estate projects in recent years, including the redevelopment of Hudson Yards and the construction of the new home for the Museum of Modern Art.
In addition to its developments in Manhattan, HFZ also has a large portfolio of properties in Brooklyn and Queens. As one of the 15 biggest property owners in New York City, HFZ Capital Group plays a major role in shaping the landscape of the city.
11. JDS Development Group
JDS Development Group is one of New York City’s leading real estate developers. The company was founded in 2002 by Michael Stern and Jason Davis, and has since developed numerous high-profile projects in the city.
JDS’s most notable developments include 111 West 57th Street, a luxury condominium tower overlooking Central Park; Parser House, a mixed-use development in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood; and 202 Elizabeth Street, a boutique condominium building in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood.
In addition to its residential developments, JDS has also developed a number of commercial properties, including the American Copper Buildings, two luxury rental towers in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood. With a portfolio of some of New York’s most iconic buildings, JDS Development Group is one of the city’s top property owners.
12. The Moinian Group
The Moinian Group is one of the largest private real estate companies in the United States. The company was founded in 1982 by Haim Saban, and it is headquartered in New York City.
The Moinian Group owns and operates a portfolio of properties that includes office buildings, hotels, retail space, and residential units. The company’s most notable properties include 3 Columbus Circle, 11 Times Square, and the W Union Square hotel.
The Moinian Group is also a major player in the development of the Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side. In total, The Moinian Group owns or has an interest in over 30 million square feet of property in New York City.
13. Steven Witkoff Group LLC
The Steven Witkoff Group LLC is one of the largest property owners in New York City. The real estate development and investment firm owns or has stakes in over 17 million square feet of office, residential, retail, and hotel space in Manhattan.
Witkoff’s portfolio includes some of the most iconic buildings in NYC, such as 11 Madison Avenue, One Worldwide Plaza, and 40 Wall Street. In addition to his real estate interests, Steven Witkoff is also a philanthropist and active supporter of the arts.
He sits on the boards of several cultural institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
14. Fisher Brothers LLC
Fisher Brothers LLC, a New York City-based real estate development and management firm, is one of the city’s largest property owners. The company owns or manages over 20 million square feet of office space in Manhattan, including such notable buildings as One Pennsylvania Plaza and Park Avenue Plaza.
In addition to its office portfolio, Fisher Brothers also own a number of residential and retail properties in New York City. The company was founded in 1915 by brothers Zachary, Lawrence, and Roland Fisher, and today it is run by their descendants.
Fisher Brothers have a long history of involvement in New York City real estate, and it continues to be a major force in the city’s ever-changing landscape.
15. Harry Macklowe Real Estate
Harry Macklowe is one of New York’s most prominent real estate developers. His company, Macklowe Properties, owns a portfolio of some of the city’s most valuable properties, including the GM Building and One Wall Street.
In total, Macklowe’s holdings are worth an estimated $8 billion. While he has had his share of financial setbacks, Macklowe remains one of New York’s most powerful landlords.
He is currently in the process of redeveloping the Hudson Yards site on Manhattan’s West Side. When completed, it will be one of the largest private real estate developments in the history of the United States.
In conclusion
New York City is home to some of the most well-known and influential real estate developers in the world. This list highlights just a few of the top players in NYC’s competitive market. These developers have amassed huge portfolios of properties, including office buildings, retail space, hotels, and residential units. They are responsible for shaping the city’s skyline and developing many of its most iconic neighborhoods. Real estate development is a risky business, but these developers continue to be at the forefront of New York City’s ever-changing landscape.