After writing last month about innovation as I reflected on the achievements of CPE’s Most Influential People in Real Estate, I flew out to the Urban Land Institute’s Spring Meeting in San Diego, where “Innovate” was the overriding theme. Coincidence? Perhaps, but these days creativity is paramount as the commercial real estate industry explores new…

Far from the provincial sector that once leapt from deal to deal with little thought for data or strategy, commercial real estate has grown into an analytical, sophisticated and accomplished industry.

Bigger, better, faster—the refinements keep coming. That may be human nature, but today it reflects the nature of the retail market as manufacturers and retailers harness ever-advancing technology to attract and retain customers. Over the years, there has been much concern about where technology’s new tools will lead. Real estate owners have feared a waning…

The U.S. commercial real estate industry has made some significant strides on the sustainability front recently.

There is nothing more inspiring than talking with a group of achievers about how they got to where they are today. I never walk away from such conversations without new ideas, insights and energy. Indeed, their advice can be widely applied, for despite variations in background, there always seem to be similarities in how they…

It remains a tumultuous time for the U.S. and world economies, and the post-deadline “fiscal cliff” deal did little to calm the waters.

Kicking the can down the road: In real estate finance circles, it’s become a common phrase for the delaying tactic employed by banks that are unable to refinance mortgages in the face of recession and tight lending practices. In the final days of 2012, kicking the can threatened to become national policy as the White…

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, we are once again facing the fallout from what we haven’t done, what we haven’t learned, how we haven’t prepared—and how vulnerable we are when the unexpected occurs.

It’s been a long time coming, but November is finally here, and with it — the much anticipated presidential election. Throughout the past year’s economic roller-coaster ride, real estate executives have offered a steady mantra: “Sit tight and wait until after the election.”

Every cycle brings changes to development. Back in the go-go ’80s, corporations favored elegant, high-profile headquarters, and such trophy assets attracted foreign investors, as well. That changed in the mid-’90s, as the United States emerged from recession.