Steven Kaufman

How are you preparing for the onslaught of AI tenants?

We’re well-positioned to meet the growing demand from AI companies, with a strong portfolio of prime Midtown South properties that offer the flexibility to accommodate their evolving needs. 

These companies are drawn to the neighborhood’s energy, access to talent, and exceptional transit connectivity. We’re focused on delivering high-quality space that allows innovative businesses to grow and thrive.

Everybody in office leasing was saying “Class A,” “Class A,” “Class A” since COVID. But now, with vacancy dwindling, are people starting to say “Class B”?

We certainly hope so, considering the majority of our portfolio is Class B! We’ve seen a great uptick in leasing activity across our Class B properties post-COVID. Tenants are recognizing the value of well-located, quality spaces without the Class A price tag.

Have you thought about converting any of your properties from office to residential? If you have, how was the experience? Would you do it again?

We’ve thought about it, but haven’t made any moves yet.

We’ve had a new mayor for the better part of a year. What kinds of grades would you give him? What has he done well? Where is the need to improve?

I’d give him a B. He’s a very talented communicator. 

There have been a lot of improvements in Midtown South over the last few years — Moynihan Train Hall, Penn Plaza, etc. How has this affected you as a landlord?

With our large portfolio in Midtown South, these improvements have had a tremendous impact on us as landlords. The transformation of Moynihan Train Hall, Penn Plaza and the surrounding areas has made the neighborhood even more attractive to tenants, particularly those prioritizing accessibility and convenience.

It’s exciting to see the neighborhood continue to evolve, and we’re well-positioned to benefit from that momentum.

Lightning Round:

Your AI platform of choice? ChatGPT.

Who would play you in a movie? Ted Danson.  

One prompt you’d never give AI. Any medical questions.

Jalen Brunson or Aaron Judge? Jalen Brunson.

“Oppenheimer” or “Odyssey”? “Oppenheimer.”

Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield or Tobey Maguire? Tobey Maguire.

Have you ever eaten pizza with a knife and fork? Always.

The most money you’ve ever spent on a hamburger? $30-plus.

Bank or non-bank? Banks.

Last book you read? What Could Possibly Go Right?: The Essential Journey to Scale an Enduring Culture by Danny Meyer.

Borrowing costs — up or down in 2027? Down, I hope!

What was your nickname when you grew up/started out? Stevie.

How long do we have before AI kills us all? A long, long time, I hope!

Where’s your secret escape compound? (Think Peter Thiel’s New Zealand Plan B.) Vermont.