Andrew Farkas is One of the 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate

Posted by on May 3, 2011

This list in 2009 and 2010 reflected a recessionary New York, one thoroughly upended by economic maelstroms like high unemployment and the odd major bank collapse. No one had need of more office space; no one had financing for investments; no one had much to do save get on the blower and commiserate, or, on the odd workday, try to set up sit-downs or walk-throughs. The president of the United States was No. 1 in 2009, because everyone looked to the government for help. Toss me some TALF!

Then, inevitably, as these things seem to go in New York and not in places like Vegas or Mobile, a thaw began. The first inklings came amid the end of landlord concessions, whether for office tenants or those in apartments. Then, round about the summer of 2010, the news of major leases trickled out—foremost, perhaps, that of Si Newhouse (No. 51) intending to park his Condé Nast publishing engine in 1 World Trade, where the development has been organized by the Port Authority, led by Chris Ward (No. 70), and where Douglas and Jody Durst (No. 1) have the big private stake. (And simply that there is a 1 World Trade, more than halfway to its 1,776 feet now, is itself a sign of recovery.)

Then, the statistics across the board began to validate the gratingly chipper chatter as office leasing and investment sales picked up, and the housing market steered well clear of an assumed double dip. Suddenly, by the close of 2010, it wasn’t all so much bullshit; the recovery was happening. The list now is meant to reflect that. Three big things about it: Not since our inaugural Power 100 in 2008 has the upper echelon been so dominated by the familiar moguls, but not all are patronymically so. There’s a rustling at the top.

There are the Durst cousins, yes, and Anthony Malkin (No. 12), Donald Trump (No. 14), the Speyers (No. 15) and Richard LeFrak (No. 20)—and, for that matter, Andrew Cuomo (No. 2)—but also the boot-strappy likes of Mort Zuckerman (No. 5) and Andrew Farkas (No. 11), and our very own Richest Guy in Town, Michael Bloomberg (No. 7). We also have relative newcomers, like the benignly voracious Gary Barnett (No. 6); the seemingly ruthless Mikhail Prokhorov (No. 24); and the oddly familiar Scott Rechler (No. 19), back in Manhattan in a big way.

Check out #11 on the Observer slideshow to see Andrew Farkas.

Andrew Farkas Observer Power 100Click here to view the full original article from the Observer.

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Montauk Yacht Club Nails Nautical Luxury

Posted by on Apr 5, 2011

Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina in East Hampton is a seaside sanctuary highlighting understated elegance and maritime lore. At first glimpse, the 107-room resort appears as a grand reminder of the gilded age set amidst the dramatic coastline of the Hamptons. The resort offers everything ever hoped for in a self-contained, full-service business hotel set on a sweep of powdery soft dunes.

The renovated Farmhouse Ballroom and seven other dedicated rooms for groups from 5 to 225 make for an affair with style, grace and the highest level of service. The resort also offers 32 acres of outdoor space and can accommodate waterfront receptions, scenic beach events or tented affairs.

“We want to make stays at Montauk Yacht Club effortless and enjoyable, so our guests can focus on what’s important,” says GM Lloyd Van Horn.

The Montauk Yacht Club’s team helps planners put together activities from bonfires to bocce ball tournaments. From surf clinics to yoga to world-class yachting, arrangements can be made for just about anything on or in the water—the reason why Yachting Magazine named it one of the Top Ten Marina Destinations in North America, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Planners can organize a sunset cruise to the historic Montauk Lighthouse and return to Montauk Yacht Club for a lobster bake and bonfire on the beach. Or attendees can take part in creating the freshest dinner imaginable with the “You hook ‘em, we cook ‘em” fishing charter.

The Montauk Yacht Club marina is a perennial favorite among the boating community. The 232-slip marina features newly renovated pilings and full hook-ups including phone, electric, water, cable TV, WiFi access and resort amenities dockside.

The resort’s four new Har-Tru tennis courts are perfect for small group activities such as adult clinics and tournaments for the competitive set. Private yoga classes, horseback riding, historical bike tours, scavenger hunts and guided nature hikes are all options for group activities. Planners can even organize surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons. With so many options, the planner has the flexibility to book a large group and still create unique and personal activities.

Each of the guest rooms and villas feature a king-sized bed or two doubles, with all the posh details. Accommodations offer 37” LCD HD flat panel televisions; custom designed nautical window treatments; indulgent bedding with goose down pillows, duvet comforters and 300-thread count sheets; spacious bath and vanity areas with plush oversized towels and luxury bath amenities; Keurig coffee makers, iHome clock radios; refrigerator and voicemail.

The quaint property is perfect for a little rest and relaxation in between meetings and team building initiatives. Essential Montauk Yacht Club accessories are a good book and several appointments at the resort’s SPA Montauk Yacht Club. The spa offers services specifically tailored to suit the needs of yachters and beachgoers. Signature treatments include the Beach Body Massage to restore moisture and prevent further sun damage and the Yachter’s Massage that concentrates on specific areas that can be affected by rough seas and more.

The Montauk Yacht Club team can orchestrate a sand castle building contest and an interactive culinary teambuilding experience with their chef, Robbin Haas. And planners can take a load off thanks to the personalized attention from Director of Sales Pamela Assogna, with over 20 years experience at the Montauk Yacht Club.

Dining here is a delight unto itself. Chef Robbin Haas tempts with his own brand of cuisine that offers the best in locally harvested and grown produce and proteins. His ever-evolving menu samples the finest in fresh, local fare, even using key ingredients grown or caught within minutes of the property.

Visitors should definitely step out and explore some of the area’s attractions, and Montauk Yacht Club can help with that. The resort can arrange for golf at Montauk Downs State Park, winery tours and shopping trips to celebrated East Hampton, helicopter tours and more.

Click here to read the original article.

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Ten to Watch: Industry Leaders, Including Andrew Farkas, Making Bold Moves in 2011

Posted by on Mar 14, 2011

Keep an eye on National Real Estate Investor’s 10 picks for people shaking up the commercial real estate industry in 2011. Each of the leaders profiled has made a bold move, and over the coming year time will tell whether their instincts and the risks they have taken pay off. The 10 are selected from across the spectrum of property types and financial interests. They reflect the impact of the recession, from the investments made by a private equity fund to the credit strategies of a retail REIT in the aftermath of bankruptcy. One profiled executive left the industry after selling a major apartment portfolio in 1998, and returned to launch an international real estate merchant bank.

Andrew Farkas was among the top 10 listed on the National Real Estate Investor’s picks.

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IGY Adds Puerto Ricos Palmas del Mar Yacht Club to their Growing Fleet of Marinas

Posted by on Oct 21, 2010

Island Global Yachting (IGY) announces the addition of Palmas del Mar Yacht Club, PR, expanding its Caribbean network of luxury yachting destinations.

“We are excited to welcome Palmas del Mar to the IGY family. Experiencing the staff’s hospitality and warm nature, combined with the marina’s megayacht capabilities, amenities and tranquil surroundings, makes it an ideal IGY marina destination and a great addition to the IGY Caribbean Anchor Pass flexibility,” says Tom Mukamal, President of IGY.

Located in Puerto Rico’s southeastern coast, just 45 minutes from San Juan, The Palmas del Mar Yacht Club is a state-of-the-art megayacht marina in the Caribbean and is linked to a complete resort community. The community stretches out over 2,700 acres and is marked by extensive gardens, lavish homes, two championship golf courses, the largest tennis center in the Caribbean, hotel and Casino, and even a fully bilingual K-12 school. Completing the amenities, the property is also home to 16 restaurants, shops, marketplace, art and design galleries, full service bank, equestrian center, an exclusive Beach and Country Club and a world-class yacht club.

Palmas del Mar Yacht Club berthing capabilities:

•158 slips for yachts up to 175ft/44 megayacht berths
•Maximum length: 175 ft
•Maximum beam: 40 ft
•Maximum draft: 14 ft

Marina highlights:

•Yacht Club and Marina within a 2,800 acre luxury resort
•Professionally trained staff and dock hands
•Full concierge service
•Internet and business center with Wi-Fi
•Marine supplies store and provisioning service
•Customs and immigration assistance on call
•In-slip fueling and waste pump-out
•Billfishing, watersports charters and adventure tours
•Neighboring full-service boatyard with 100-ton lift
•22 tennis courts, two championship golf courses
•Equestrian Center and Beach Club
•Pusser’s Pub and Restaurant
•Sheraton Four Point Hotel and Casino

To learn more about the Palmas del Mar Yacht Club, please visit www.palmasdelmaryachtclub.com or call 787.656-7300.

About Island Global Yachting

With yachting destinations spanning the Americas, IGY has redefined the luxury marina experience. Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, managing, and servicing luxury-yacht marinas and lifestyle destinations. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY and St. Thomas, USVI. Island Global Yachting marinas operate under the signature Yacht Haven Grande collection and the IGY series brands, as well as several private labels.

IGY’s network of properties is setting new standards for service and quality in nautical tourism throughout the world. The company offers an unprecedented collection of 10 marinas in the Caribbean and the Americas, all catering to a variety of vessel types including sportfishers, cruisers, sailing & motor yachts, as well as being exclusive home ports for some of the world’s largest megayachts. IGY also participates in 9 of the world’s biggest and best sportfishing tournaments, making our marinas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, St. Thomas USVI, and Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico highly sought-after angler destinations.

All IGY destinations are known for the highest levels of management and service. IGY’s Marina Services Division offers a complete portfolio of management and training solutions for any marina owner’s needs, from operations & service to branding & marketing, insurance, design and engineering, with in-house professionals available to assist clients.

As marina owners themselves, IGY approaches every project from an owner’s perspective in order to maximize revenues, ROI and customer experience. Operating in diverse marketplaces, IGY also has a full understanding of and expertise in managing local relationships and cultural/political logistics. For additional information on Marina Services from IGY, please visit www.igymarinamanagement.com.

IGY is an affiliate of Island Capital Group LLC, a real estate merchant banking firm led and founded by Andrew Farkas, former chairman of Insignia Financial Group. For more information, please visit www.igymarinas.com.

View full article on All At Sea.

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