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.

Helmsley Spear's Kent Swig and 25 Broadway.
Educational · Leases
Financial District

Empire Education Keeps 40K-SF Campus at 25 Broadway

By Isabelle Durso
GSA Administrator Stephen Ehikian and One and Two Constitution Square, Washington, D.C.
Government/Military · Leases
Washington DC

Trump Administration Downsizes DOJ Office Lease in D.C.

By Nick Trombola
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner and Robert C. Weaver Federal Building in Washington, D.C.
Government/Military · Investments & Sales
Washington DC

GSA Adds Distinctive HUD HQ to ‘Accelerated Disposal’ List

By Nick Trombola
President Donald Trump and the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan.
Government/Military · Policy
National

Trump Wants Federal Agencies to Disregard Downtown Office Hubs

By Nick Trombola
Newmark's Ross-Berkowitz, Ravi-Idani and Aric-Trakhtenberg, and a pre-school classroom.
Educational · Leases
New York City

Goddard School Takes 10K SF in Greenpoint for First Brooklyn Campus

By Isabelle Durso
SoLa founder and CEO Martin Mutoto and Crenshaw Lofts.
Multifamily · Finance
California

SoLa Secures $29M to Expand Community Development Space in South L.A.

By Nick Trombola
GSA Administrator Stephen Elhikian and 301 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C.
Government/Military · Investments & Sales
National

Trump Administration Re-Posts Nearly 1M-SF Office in D.C. to Disposal List

By Nick Trombola
The Feil Organization's Andrew Wiener and 570 Lexington Avenue.
Educational · Leases
New York City

Sotheby’s Institute of Art Renews 19K-SF Space at Feil’s 570 Lexington Avenue

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

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
Premium
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
Premium
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
Premium
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
Premium
2160 Broadway.
Development Rights · Development
New York City

Brooklyn Developer Plans to Demolish Former Upper West Side Bank Building

By Isabelle Durso
Premium
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
Premium
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
Premium