Jared Epstein

Aurora has signed a lot of major retail leases this year. How would you say New York City’s luxury retail market is doing, specifically in SoHo and the Meatpacking District?

We’re seeing a clear flight to quality. SoHo and the Meatpacking District are amongst the most competitive luxury retail arenas globally. These districts offer authenticity, architecture, storytelling potential and street energy that e-commerce can’t replicate, which is why global brands are doubling down. 

Brands aren’t just chasing sales per square foot, they’re prioritizing cultural relevance and visibility. SoHo’s international draw and Meatpacking’s design-forward, lifestyle energy continues to attract digitally native brands scaling into brick and mortar, and luxury juggernauts opening experiential and flagship concepts.

Where are you looking to build new multifamily properties in the U.S.?

We’re actively exploring multifamily opportunities in supply-constrained, high-demand submarkets that offer strong job growth, demographic tailwinds and relative affordability, making them appealing for long-term investment.

What do you think about the growing popularity of members-only social clubs in New York City? Does Aurora have its eye on any investment opportunities there?

Social clubs are booming because people crave curated, real-world connection. We’re definitely watching the space. It’s not just hospitality, it’s part real estate, part brand, and part community infrastructure. We’re interested in where design, lifestyle, and brand intersect. The right operator with a strong concept could be a good fit for a number of our buildings in SoHo, the West Village and Meatpacking. When the operator quality is there, they can elevate an asset and a district. We’re selective but engaged.

However, I strongly believe that one of the things that made New York the greatest city in the world was the melting pot of nightlife. Personally, in my 20s I’d go to six to eight lounges and clubs a night. The mystery of who you could meet and the thrill of the people you did meet as a “creature of the night” was simply amazing. Celebrities, music and movie stars, athletes, models, business executives and scenesters were out and about throughout the city, not confined to a handful of exclusive members-only clubs. NYC needs that to thrive in my opinion. Who you meet and the experiences you have out and about at night expands your network, creates friendships, new business opportunities, and the memories created at night create a deep connection to your love, or lack thereof, of a city. 

The New York City mayoral election is coming up. If Zohran Mamdani wins, what would you like to see out of him?

If he’s elected, I’d hope to see practical governance and pragmatic collaboration between the public and private sectors. With clear goals, accountable execution and collaboration across sectors to advance housing production, infrastructure and economic vitality, New York can thrive. Ideology shouldn’t block smart, scalable solutions.

Are you expecting an influx of market activity in the first half of 2026 if rates continue to go down? Why or why not?

Yes. If rates drop, we expect a notable uptick as lower rates catalyze activity. There’s a backlog of capital waiting for pricing clarity, and a lower-rate environment would unlock both debt and equity plays across asset classes, especially for well-located, cash-flowing properties. Discipline always matters; quality and location will lead.

Lighting Round:

Mamdani, Cuomo, Adams — Friend, mute, unfollow?
Forever friend: Adams; mutual friend sharer: Cuomo; never say never: Mamdani

Pick for Fed chair `26?
A pragmatic reformer focused on price stability and growth.

Borrowing costs by late `26?
Modestly lower unless inflation re-accelerates.

More excited about — rate cut or Taylor Swift’s engagement?
I’m blessed to have super cool, athletic sons that are into rap and rock. I can’t imagine having daughters that were “Swifties.” The bottom line is rates matter, gossip doesn’t. 

Last vacation and where?
August `25 to Ogunquit, Maine — a wedding and a 50-pound, 50-inch striper.

What is your kryptonite? Overcommitting to help every single person and cause I care about.

How are the tariffs going to affect your Thanksgiving shopping?
Costs may tick up, but tradition stays the same.

You appear on the kisscam at a concert. Who’s performing?
Pearl Jam.

If Stephen Starr asked you which restaurant he should next reopen, what would it be?
Florent with Aurora.