Special Purpose

Special purpose real estate news and analysis focusing on the trends, developments, and investments shaping unique properties, from arenas and stadiums to air rights, museums and theaters. With insights into market demand, capital strategies, and emerging opportunities, Commercial Observer is the definitive resource for CRE professionals navigating this specialized sector.

New York Liberty Governor Clara Wu Tsai and a rendering of the planned New York Liberty practice facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Special Purpose · Development
Greenpoint

New York Liberty to Build 75K-SF Training Facility in Greenpoint

By Isabelle Durso
A single wood director's chair in a spotlight.
Studios/Soundstages · Leases
California

Hollywood’s Studio Leasing Problem Is Much Worse Than You Think

By Greg Cornfield
Rob Speyer and The Wheeler.
Educational · Leases
New York City

Brooklyn Charter Network to Open 150K-SF Downtown Brooklyn High School

By Isabelle Durso
Kari Lake, special advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
Government/Military · Leases
Washington DC

Trump, Kari Lake Cancel Massive D.C. Lease as Voice of America Folds

By Nick Trombola
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks outside the U.S. Capitol on March 10.
Arenas/Stadiums · Policy
Washington DC

D.C. Faces $1B Budget Cut After Senate Passes National Spending Bill

By Nick Trombola
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner and Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Railways · Policy
Washington DC

Amtrak Closes $505M Settlement Over D.C. Union Station

By Nick Trombola
2160 Broadway.
Development Rights · Development
New York City

Brooklyn Developer Plans to Demolish Former Upper West Side Bank Building

By Isabelle Durso
Elon Musk and 444 South Flower Street, Los Angeles.
Government/Military · Leases
California

Eight Leases in L.A. Among Hundreds Allegedly Cut by DOGE So Far

By Nick Trombola
Avison Young's Martin Cottingham, Michael Gottlieb, and Patrick Steffens, and 5323 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn.
Educational · Leases
New York City

Dual Language Charter School Expands at 5323 Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park

By Mark Hallum
The Department of Agriculture South Building in Washington, D.C., Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump.
Government/Military · Investments & Sales
National

Trump Administration Looks to Sell Hundreds of Federal Properties Across U.S.

By Nick Trombola
GSA Administrator Stephen Ehikian and the GSA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Government/Military · Policy
National

GSA Unveils ‘Space Match’ Program for Sharing Federal Offices

By Nick Trombola
Cushman & Wakefield's Brett Racanelli, Jeffrey Morgan, and Nathan Piehl, and 3401 Del Amo Boulevard, Torrance, Calif.
Special Purpose · Investments & Sales
California

3 Investment Firms Buy R&D Space in L.A. County’s South Bay

By Nick Trombola
Premium
Hebrew Union College President Andrew Rehfeld and its Jack H. Skirball Campus in Los Angeles.
Educational · Investments & Sales
California

USC Buys Hebrew Union College’s Skirball Campus in Los Angeles for $35M

By Nick Trombola
Premium
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Government/Military · Policy
Washington DC

Federal Agencies Have Until April 14 to Propose Any Relocations Outside of DMV

By Nick Trombola
Premium
A woman and a man standing side by side in front of a wooden wall.
Office · Development
National

Gensler Co-CEOs Elizabeth Brink and Jordan Goldstein On AI in Architecture

By Max Gross
Premium
Allen Gurevich of GFP Real Estate and a rendering of Pickle1 courts at 100 Pearl Street.
Retail · Leases
New York City

Pickle1 Opening 5K-SF Pickleball Facility at 100 Pearl Street

By Amanda Schiavo
Premium
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion President Andrew Rehfeld and 56 West 66th Street.
Educational · Investments & Sales
New York City

Hebrew Union College Buys Landmark Upper West Side Armory for $32M

By Isabelle Durso
Premium