William Rudin, Rudin Management Company

Real estate prediction for 2014? 

I am bullish on the New York real estate market. I believe residential and commercial will continue to be in high demand. I also contend that Lower Manhattan will remain strong and continue to attract high-growth tech companies.

Where in New York is there still untapped potential for real estate development? 

There is untapped potential in every neighborhood. The growth in the outer boroughs combined with growth in key areas in Manhattan, like Midtown South, Lower Manhattan, and the Far West Side, prove that there is important development around every corner.

Who will become New York City’s next mayor?  

I do not know.

What real estate policy should New York’s next mayor make a priority?   

The next mayor should focus on growing New York’s reputation as a global city at the forefront of urban initiatives that promote a good quality of life, effective public education system, reliable and safe mass transit, state-of-the-art infrastructure, substantial open space and reasonable taxes. All of these efforts enhance the strength of our city and support a robust and thriving real estate market.

What qualities do you look for in an agent representing your buildings? 

We do all of our leasing in-house with a well-qualified team of professionals who have been working with Rudin Management for years. We rely on their deep industry knowledge and dedication to our business to help us succeed. They work directly with our tenants and outside brokers.

What is one aspect of your business you wish you had more time for? 

I wish I had more time for doing my business! I spend a significant amount of my time involved with civic and philanthropic endeavors in my roles as chairman of the Association for a Better New York and the Battery Conservancy, vice chairman of REBNY, secretary of the Real Estate Roundtable and board member of the Partnership for New York City. This work takes up a lot of my time. Fortunately, my cousin Eric, my children, Samantha and Michael, and our great management team keep Rudin Management moving forward.

Greatest fear: 

That the political gridlock and partisan bickering continues in Washington, stalling economic growth around the country.

If approved, the Midtown East rezoning initiative will: 

Unlock incredible potential for development and modernize the largest concentration of aging buildings in our city. It will also have a critical impact upon mass transit and the already strong network of public transportation options that run through Grand Central. Sitting on top of one of the world’s greatest mass transit networks, the initiative will help expand the city’s tax base, create jobs and improve the city’s infrastructure.

In the film version of your life, which actor would portray you? 

George Clooney.

Foreign real estate market you’d most like to invest in: 

My family remains all about New York, the greatest city in the world!

Is broadband connectivity in New York City a priority at your buildings? 

Absolutely. My family has been at the forefront of broadband connectivity in this city long before it became a trend. In the mid-1990s, we repurposed our building at 55 Broad Street to be the first fully wired building in New York City, and it became the premier hub for technology companies. Similarly, at 32 Avenue of the Americas, we transformed the historic AT&T building into the leading telecommunications building in our city. State-of-the-art connectivity remains one of our top priorities in all of our buildings.

What should happen with Madison Square Garden and Penn Station? 

Madison Square Garden is an iconic part of New York’s landscape. I believe that efforts should be made to rationalize the public transportation infrastructure below MSG at Penn Station, but I am certainly pleased that MSG’s operating permit was extended.

What New York City building should be torn down? 

I have no opinion on this.