News: Spotlight Content

2025 Year in Review: Morris Betesh, Arrow Real Estate Advisors

Morris Betesh
Founder & Managing Partner
Arrow Real Estate Advisors

What transaction, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New York CRE market this year? 

The $320 million financing we arranged for Bushburg’s conversion of 80 Pine St. exemplified the direction of New York CRE this year. Arrow was among the first to recognize office-to-residential conversions as a viable means of adding product to the supply-constrained multifamily sector, and we’ve played a key role in educating lenders on their feasibility. Our understanding of the new 467-m incentive and ability to articulate the long-term value of these projects helped bring this transformative deal to life.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? 

Going into 2026, improving office fundamentals will create major opportunities in New York CRE. Return-to-office momentum has driven occupancy up, and demand is strengthening for well-located, high-quality, amenity-rich office buildings. With a significant share of older assets now headed for office-to-residential conversion, supply is tightening and the market is stabilizing. We expect increased strategic office acquisitions and asset repositioning as investor confidence grows.

What accomplishment, milestone, project or transaction stood out for you or your firm in 2025? 

Our standout moment in 2025 was securing $350 million in financing for The Greenwich by Rafael Viñoly, an 88-story landmark residential tower. Partnering with Starwood, Arrow structured a creative recapitalization that reduced costs, strengthened the project’s foundation, and reinforced lender confidence, further underscoring the firm’s growing influence in complex, high-profile capital markets deals.

MORE FROM Spotlight Content

Over half of Long Island towns vote to exceed the tax cap - Here’s how owners can respond - by Brad and Sean Cronin

When New York permanently adopted the 2% property tax cap more than a decade ago, many owners hoped it would finally end the relentless climb in tax bills. But in the last couple of years, that “cap” has started to look more like a speed bump. Property owners are seeing taxes increase even when an
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Oldies but goodies:  The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Oldies but goodies: The value of long-term ownership in rent-stabilized assets - by Shallini Mehra

Active investors seeking rent-stabilized properties often gravitate toward buildings that have been held under long-term ownership — and for good reasons. These properties tend to be well-maintained, both physically and operationally, offering a level of stability
Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Properly serving a lien law Section 59 Demand - by Bret McCabe

Many attorneys operating within the construction space are familiar with the provisions of New York Lien Law, which allow for the discharge of a Mechanic’s Lien in the event the lienor does not commence an action to enforce following the service of a “Section 59 Demand”.
The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

The strategy of co-op busting in commercial real estate - by Robert Khodadadian

In New York City’s competitive real estate market, particularly in prime neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, investors are constantly seeking new ways to unlock property value. One such strategy — often overlooked but
How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

How much power does the NYC mayor really have over real estate policy? - by Ron Cohen

The mayor of New York City holds significant influence over real estate policy — but not absolute legislative power. Here’s how it breaks down:

Formal Legislative Role

Limited direct lawmaking power: The NYC Council is the primary