Scott Galin
Partner, CEO and president at Handro Properties and ESSH Investments
Since you have a portfolio of Class B NYC office properties and investments in dozens of other properties here and nationally, how are you drawing in tenants to compete against some of the newer product that has come onto the market?
Our portfolio continues to be niche specific. We mostly cater to smaller and midsize office tenants looking for well-maintained spaces just south of Times Square, with convenient access to public transportation, and operated by responsible, hands-on ownership. We are not in competition with the new trophy towers. We provide high-end, value-add space for tenants who prefer a more boutique experience.
Who are the tenants that are actively looking for boutique space, and how is it different from years prior?
We tend to attract law and accounting firms, entertainment, nonprofits and tech, including those in the AI space.
How has your tenant representation practice changed how you operate on the landlord side?
Separate from the office properties we own, we’ve been doing active tenant rep for more than 15 years. We are now more efficient and have more market knowledge, with the vast majority of our third-party rep deals arranged in office properties that are B-plus, A and even in iconic trophy assets. The third-party rep deals do provide better insight into the tenant thought process, which helps us negotiate more smoothly on the landlord side.
Are there any policies you would like to see enacted to enhance the market?
The real estate market would benefit if New York City could better streamline Department of Buildings processes and approvals, and if local laws could be better clarified. We would also benefit from a more rational basis for real estate valuations and tax policy.
Lighting Round:
Your pick for Fed chair `26?
Kevin Warsh.
Borrowing costs up or down by late 2026?
Down.
More excited about — interest rate cut or Taylor Swift’s engagement?
Interest rates.
When was your last vacation and where?
Don’t remember!
Like in ‘Freaky Friday’ you swap bodies with Jerome Powell. What would you do?
Lower interest rates over the next 18 months.
What’s your Kryptonite?
Too much drama in business!
How are the tariffs going to affect your Thanksgiving shopping?
No effect.
You appear on the kisscam at a concert. Who’s performing?
James Taylor … with my wife.
If Stephen Starr asked you which restaurant he should next reopen, what would it be?
Any one where I can get a good table!
The Stories Behind the List
