MaryAnn Gilmartin.
MaryAnne Gilmartin
Founder and interim CEO at MAG Partners and Mack-Cali Realty
How flexible are you with negotiating rents?
We are currently repositioning Mack-Cali’s Harborside campus in Jersey City, where we have great office space with million-dollar views available to companies looking to control their full environment post-COVID-19 [pandemic]. For those willing to come across the river, it is an amazing value proposition.
Has your “dead to me” list grown?
Yes.
Are you in the market for financing?
Yes.
What would be the signs that things are NOT going to improve in 2021?
I am watching what happens with schools very, very closely.
What do you think will NOT go back to normal?
Only eating indoors. The new outdoor perches for dining in New York City are amazing — thankfully, that silver lining that is here to stay.
I also think residential builders and operators will capitalize on the [work-from-home] phenomenon and innovate with more outdoor spaces and working-from-home services.
Who do you like for mayor in 2021?
That’s a tough one. I am still waiting for a true civic hero to step up. In the decency and humanity front, I do want to commend Corey Johnson for being so human and honest, something we don’t see enough in politics.
What do you think the city and/or state should do to help both real estate and the city?
The mayor needs to start speaking up and stepping up for long-term growth and development for our city. While budgets are tight today, we need to continue to work to increase the competitiveness of New York City with strategic thinking and planning.
How do you think the November election will affect real estate? How do you see a Trump win? How do you see a Biden win?
A Trump win would be another blow to great American cities — and the New York region is atop that list. Biden’s road will be long and hard, but it will recognize the importance a prosperous tri-state area holds for the country and the world.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Where’s your apocalypse bunker? My rooftop in Park Slope.
Did you gain or lose weight during quarantine? Held steady with a lot more effort!
Sourdough bread, banana bread, other? Sourdough
Which TV show have you binged? News-binging got in my way.
What restaurant did you go to when restaurants reopened? North Fork Table
Where did you quarantine? North Fork with my kids.
Biden, Trump or Kanye? Biden
