Last May I wrote that the New York Observer wasn't completely fair in downgrading Bruce Ratner in the latest iteration of its Real Estate Power 100, from 2011's #48 to 2012's #72. The designation contained some remarkably tough language:
And, in the past year, Ratner opened the Barclays Center, to much acclaim and rather less recognition of the unfulfilled promises or the Culture of Cheating, as well as launching the world's tallest modular tower, which, if successful, could be a turning point for construction in the city.
You'd think Ratner would rise, but instead he--and his recently named successor--slip a bit in the Observer's admittedly subjective list:
Also notable is a first appearance of SHoP, which gets shorthand credit for the Barclays Center, while it actually designed the eye-catching facade and some of the interiors:
He completed one of the most beautiful buildings [8 Spruce Street] on the skyline by the world's most famous architect, with sky-high rents to boot, but the brand, not to mention the family name, has been so blackened in Brooklyn, it will be a wonder if he ever builds there again.I agreed the brand has been blackened, including by the loss in court on the environmental review case and the lawsuit filed against Forest City Ratner and its Community Benefits Agreement partner BUILD, plus the machinations in Yonkers. But I didn't think that most elected officials and reporters/editorialists either agree or would say so publicly, and they haven't.
And, in the past year, Ratner opened the Barclays Center, to much acclaim and rather less recognition of the unfulfilled promises or the Culture of Cheating, as well as launching the world's tallest modular tower, which, if successful, could be a turning point for construction in the city.
You'd think Ratner would rise, but instead he--and his recently named successor--slip a bit in the Observer's admittedly subjective list:
80. MaryAnne Gilmartin and Bruce Ratner (72) CEO - Forest City RatnerThe rise of SHoP
It had been rumored for months, but just two weeks ago it was finally confirmed: Ms. Gilmartin, the heir apparent, would take over as chief executive officer of Forest City Ratner Companies. At the forefront of FCRC’s activity at Atlantic Yards, Barclays Center, MetroTech and The New York Times building, Ms. Gilmartin will now take control of the developer’s day-to-day operations. Mr. Ratner, for his part, will stay involved in the business, which was a condition of taking the reins, according to Ms. Gilmartin. “We finish each others’ sentences; we have spirited debates,” Ms. Gilmartin told The Commercial Observer of her relationship with Mr. Ratner earlier this month. “We often have better results because of the way we can argue back and forth, and I expect all of that will continue.”
Also notable is a first appearance of SHoP, which gets shorthand credit for the Barclays Center, while it actually designed the eye-catching facade and some of the interiors:
89. Christopher Sharples, Coren Sharples, William Sharples, Kimberly Holden, Gregg PasquarelliCo-Founders - SHoP ArchitectsSHoP is also working on a controversial soccer stadium in Flushing Meadows.
In only a few short years, SHoP Architects has become the architect of record for developers looking for flourishes and willing to take risks. Best known as the designer of Brooklyn’s Barclays Center arena, SHoP Architects will expand its presence across the East River as designer of Two Trees’ Domino Sugar Factory development in Williamsburg. New plans call for tripling the amount of office space in the sparse commercial district and increasing the amount of outdoor space. Moving north to Queens, SHoP has partnered with Related Companies at the Hunters Point South development in Long Island City. The partnership, which also includes Philips Houses and Monadnock Construction, is building the first two towers of a seven-tower residential complex.
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