Laurent Morali
CEO at Kushner Companies
What’s been 2025’s biggest highlight and biggest challenge so far?
The highlight of 2025 to date has been the continued deployment of our multifamily investment vehicle, along with the landmark refinancing of our construction loan at The Journal with Blackstone, totaling more than half a billion dollars.
Our greatest challenge has been anticipating the evolving political landscape in New York City.
The Journal recently secured that $515 million construction loan. How competitively bid was this financing, and what sets this property apart from other new product in Journal Square/Jersey City?
The financing we secured followed an exceptionally competitive bidding process, and we’re grateful to Newmark for their outstanding efforts in achieving this outcome, and I think it says a lot about the lending community’s appreciation of what we brought to the market.
The Journal distinguishes itself in the Jersey City market through its connected location above the Journal Square PATH Station, sophisticated high-end finishes, and an unmatched suite of resort-style amenities — including a full-size basketball court and both indoor and outdoor pools. It’s really setting a new standard for living in Jersey City.
A big portion of Kushner’s portfolio is in New Jersey today. Going into 2026, which markets are the most interesting to you? Are any new markets catching your attention?
We continue to like the strong market fundamentals across New Jersey, and are actively exploring opportunities to expand our footprint in other strong and resilient markets such as Virginia, Florida and Texas.
How’s your year-end and first-quarter pipeline shaping up, and what’s topping your priority list?
We’ve been actively deploying capital across multifamily acquisitions and development. We believe now is an amazing time to invest — interest rates have declined significantly, cap rates remain compelling, and competition is still relatively limited. However, we anticipate a more crowded investor landscape emerging as we move into 2026.
Lighting Round:
Your pick for Fed chair `26?
Rob Verrone.
Borrowing costs up or down by late 2026?
Down.
More excited about — interest rate cut or Taylor Swift’s engagement?
Sorry to disappoint, but interest rate cut.
When was your last vacation and where?
The Amalfi Coast this past spring.
What’s your kryptonite?
People who sing off-key.
You appear on the kisscam at a concert. Who’s performing?
Metallica.
The Stories Behind the List
