Development
Pre-Development/Planning
Acquisition and Development, Joint Ventures
Fee Development
A project's success depends on the execution of thoughtful pre-development planning. The Socius team has directed the development of millions of square feet of residential, retail, hospitality and office space over 25+ years. Socius will analyze the property to determine the highest and best use and then provide a plan based on:
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Zoning options
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Design and construction options
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Scheduling of Design and Construction
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Construction and Operating proformas
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Financing Options
These projections are based on real time construction, financing and sales/leasing market conditions.
Socius' ability to provide capital, financing, and structure JV's, land leases and acquisitions, is enhanced by our real time knowledge of the markets. Transparency is the hallmark of our firm. We are collaborative by nature, and our JV partners and LP investors work directly with the Principals from day one. We welcome ideas and share our wealth of experience throughout the development process. Socius works with world class architects, engineers and designers to create "Best in Class" buildings that consistently outperform the market.
Some Owners prefer retaining 100% ownership in their property but lack the expertise to develop or reposition an asset to maximize its value. Socius offers a full Turn-Key development option.
For only a Development Fee, Socius will provide full development services:
Based on Ownership's goals, Socius will:
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Create a development plan
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Analyze design options
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Offer cost and revenue sensitivities
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Procure the Design Team
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Procure a Construction Company
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Procure all required Consultants
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Work with Government Agencies
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Direct the Design and Construction
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Provide Financing Options
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Direct the selected Marketing and Sales Team
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Direct all aspects of the Project from Conception to Completion
Each strategy is different based on the owners goals. We present options and projections based on these goals. Owners are invited to participate in meetings, and be involved in the development process as much or as little as they so desire.
GP/LP/Lender Advisory Services
Experience Counts
As an advisor to Owners, Investors and Lenders, Socius Advisory Group draws from decades of development and operational experience within multiple asset classes. Socius will analyze and offer perspective, optionality and guidance through the planning, financing, construction and marketing of a development project. Our sterling reputation with city agencies, lenders, community boards and within the construction industry provides comfort to the client that the intricate navigation of the development process will be executed efficiently. Our extensive track record of building and operating luxury and affordable multifamily housing, hospitality, office and retail properties in New York and around the country through multiple cycles gives the Socius team two valuable assets: Perspective and Experience.
Due Diligence
Due Diligence begins with the the ability to see past surface issues at the property level. Many firms can issue basic reports based on site visits. Socius Advisory goes further. We draw on our extensive experience of the following disciplines to analyze a distressed project:
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Directing design and construction
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Scheduling and permitting
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Contractor scope development
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Zoning and planning
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Loan document negotiations
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Leasing and tenant relations
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Marketing strategies
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Repositioning of assets
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Socius understands and values how the interconnectivity of these disciplines determine a property's level of success in the market. This is why Socius projects consistently outperform the market.
Execution
Execution is the end product of a thoughtful implementation of the development strategy. As an advisor the Owner, Investor or Lender, our team will:
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Review the design and development plan
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Review the status of construction/schedule
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Create a plan to complete the project
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Offer potential efficient design alternatives
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Perform budget vs.cost analysis
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Review agency approvals and compliance
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Provide value engineering where required
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Negotiate with contractors in distressed situations
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Provide creative repositioning alternatives
In an arena where delays and mis-steps can derail a project, Socius Advisory Group adds the expertise that only the successful development of millions of square feet can bring. Our team has worked extensively with MTA, DOB, HPD, City Planning, Utility Companies, Community Boards and Neighborhood Associations. Experience counts.
Executive Team
Scott L. Aaron, Founding Principal
Scott Aaron is the Founding Principal of Socius Development Group. Since 1996, he has directed the development of more than 2 million square feet of luxury residential rental, condominium and hospitality projects in New York and Miami. His deep understanding of financing, structuring, designing and developing large scale projects is enhanced by his experience of navigating through up and down cycles in the market. Socius projects consistently outperform the market and set new benchmarks in design, efficiency and economic performance.
In 2009, Scott was recognized as one of New York City’s “Developers on the Rise” by Real Estate New York Magazine.
Scott founded Socius Development Group in 2013. Socius is focused on value-add development and re-development opportunities across multiple asset classes, primarily in the New York Metropolitan area. Scott's vast experience in developing luxury hi-rise projects includes collaborations with world class architects, engineers and designers. His 22 year track record of successful development projects in the most competitive markets in the world is a testament to his design vision and collaborative style.
Jason D. Pizer, Socius Advisory Board
Jason Pizer currently serves as Head of Real Estate for North and South America for Publicis Groupe, the fourth largest advertising and public relations firm in the world.
Prior to EAM, Mr. Pizer was the President of Trinity Real Estate, a division of Trinity Church of New York City.
At Trinity, Mr. Pizer had complete oversight for Design & Construction, Leasing, Property Management, and Strategic Planning of Trinity Real Estate and approved all commercial real estate transactions for the nine million square foot Trinity portfolio. He successfully led Trinity through the 2008 crash, restructuring millions of square feet of leases and maintaining over 95% of the tenants.
Jason is a recognized leader in the real estate industry. He was instrumental in the rezoning of Manhattan’s Hudson Square neighborhood. As President of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District, together with Mayor Bloomberg’s Office and The Department of City Planning, Jason helped pave the way for Hudson Square’s rezoning and the rise of one of the most sought after neighborhoods in New York City.
Mr. Pizer holds a Bachelor of Science from The State University of New York at Albany, and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire, School of Law. Mr. Pizer is a member of The Real Estate Board of New York. His philanthropic focus includes the National Jewish Health and Diabetes research Institute. During his tenure at Trinity, Mr. Pizer was a member of the Executive Board of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District, as well as its Chairman.
Matthew Pargament, Hospitality Operations/ Turn-Around Specialist
Since 1990, Mathew has managed and directed the development of major hotel properties in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
In 1990 Matthew began his career in Operations for The Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts in New York City, at The Pierre Hotel. The Four Seasons platform of uncompromising principles in hospitality and guest service became the foundation of Matthew’s career.
In 1998 he joined the legendary Ian Schrager Hotels, which later became Morgans Hotel Group. Over the next nine years his career in Executive Management expanded, ultimately becoming Director of Hotel Operations in New York, (The Paramount, St. Moritz and the Hudson) and at the portfolio’s urban resorts (Delano and Shore Club in Miami, The Mondrian in Los Angeles).
Turnaround/Property Openings:
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The Delano, Miami - Under Matthew’s direction, the property did a remarkable restructuring, resulting in an NOI of over $12M in 2006 from a loss of $2.9M in 2002.
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The Mondrian, LA - Matthew directed, stabilized and elevated the Mondrian Hotel into the LA’s hottest property. He also played key roles in the openings of The Clift in San Francisco and the Mondrian in Scottsdale.
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In 2007 Matthew joined George Maloof to plan and open The Palms Place Hotel, Condo and Spa, in Las Vegas. The 599 key Palms Place opened in February 2009.
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In 2009 he returned to Miami as the Regional Director for Andre Balaz properties, overseeing the revitalization of two iconic properties, The Raleigh Hotel and The Standard Spa Hotel.
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In 2013 Matthew’s opened the flagship property of the EDITION brand in the United States for Marriott International and Ian Schrager to critical acclaim.
Matthew's depth of knowledge in property operations is the critical element in restructuring and repositioning hotel properties. His distinguished track record is unparalleled in the industry.
Eduardo Salcedo, Director of Design and Construction
Eduardo brings 35 years of experience designing, coordinating and managing the design and development of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings .
Since the 1990's, Eduardo has served as lead architect at top NYC architectural firms. For the past 15 years Eduardo has managed construction projects for Owners/Sponsors. Eduardo has been involved in numerous ground-up high-rise residential and hospitality projects, including major renovations and condo conversions in the New York Metropolitan area. He has collaborated in the development of more than 3 million square feet luxury rental, condominium and hospitality projects.
Eduardo’s wealth of experience in the production and coordination of design drawings for large projects is a key part of analyzing, planning and executing an efficient project. He brings a vast amount of knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and the permit approval process.
His ability to navigate complex permitting and design requirements is an invaluable part of the team's planning process
Eduardo graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture.
Steven Vegliante, General Counsel
Mr. Vegliante is an expert in planning strategy and brings a wealth of experience of working with owners and developers through all aspects of the development process. As a seasoned real estate attorney for over 20 years, Steven drives the negotiation, acquisition, contract and financing issues for sellers and purchasers. Steven regularly appears before Planning Boards, Town Boards and Zoning Boards on behalf of developers, and was instrumental in the approvals of the largest casino resort in New York State, Resorts World Catskills
Steven has a diverse backround in government and public service, including serving as an Assistant County Attorney, Conflict Counsel for the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency, and member of the Town of Fallsburg Planning Board, and Supervisor for the Town of Fallsburg.
Sheila Hantman, Requisitions and Financial Management
Sheila brings 40+ years of experience managing large offices, creating and analyzing operating budgets and directing operations for mid size law firms. Sheila is in charge of processing lender requisitions, maintaining budget reporting for Socius Development Group and Socius Advisory Services and working with our team to analyze operations cash flow on multiple projects. Sheila's combination of management and budgeting experience plays a vital role in analyzing potential efficiencies in operations. Sheila has served as both Treasurer and President of Condominium Associations, where her guidance on allocations of budgets, legal issues and construction projects have been critical to the ongoing viability of the homeowners.
PROJECTS
Focused on ground up development and value add re-development opportunities across multiple asset classes.
More than 2 million square feet of luxury residential rental, condominium and hospitality projects.
Collaborations with world class architects, engineers and designers from around the world.
Financed by Principal Life Insurance Company
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154 residential units (121 market-rate; 33 affordable)
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186 parking spaces
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16,500 square feet of retail
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23,000 square feet of community facility
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Building amenities including a rooftop Residents's Club, screening area, Private Dining Room, Yoga and fitness center, Children’s Playroom, 24-hour concierge, landscaped entrance, 17,000sf landscaped roof garden
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Tenant Storage
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30,000sf of common outdoor space; 10,000sf of interior amenity spaces
Completed 2019
Financed by Pacific Life Insurance Company
Socius Development Group is pleased to present our latest luxury residential building to Downtown NYC. "Exhibit" at 60 Fulton Street has quickly become the most sought after rental building in Manhattan’s Financial District neighborhood. The 80/20 residential building rises 23 stories above Manhattan and contains 120 residences and one level of retail on Fulton Street. Residents can enjoy a rooftop Penthouse Club, Fitness and Yoga Studio, bike storage and Italian kitchens. Over 70% of the units have outdoor space overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and north across The City. Exhibit is the only fully curated residential building in Manhattan, featuring over 100 fine art photos from the Downtown art and music scene in 1970's and 80's, shot by New York City's most iconic photographers.
The Team:
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Interior Designer: Andres Escobar
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MEP Engineer: MG Engineering
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Structural Engineer: DeSimone Consulting Engineers
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Layouts: Steven Rockmore
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Art Curator: Jody Britt
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Architect: Goldstein, Hill and West
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Construction Manager: Bravo Builders
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Certificate of Occupancy 2017
100 West 18th Street
Chelsea, NYC
Financed by PB Capital Corporation
Comprised of 43 luxury condominium units and 30,000 square feet of retail located on three levels, the development also features a state of the art fitness center, club room, roof top gardens and sun deck.
The avant- guard black iron ore brick building, accented with sleek curtain wall glass corners, contains floor to ceiling windows throughout. The result: a building flooded with light and air in a neighborhood where art, and its quest for these elements is paramount. The interior spaces and finishes brought true luxury to Chelsea. Hand cut textured limestone bathrooms and the use of tasseled and corduroy lava stone showers were the hallmarks of this luxury building.
Completed, Sold Out and 100% Occupied: June, 2008
The Manhattan Club – Phase 3
Financing by USA Capital Corporation
The third Phase of Manhattan’s first timeshare property was completed in October 2003. Comprised of 53 one bedroom units and 23 Executive Suites on five floors, the Manhattan Club remains New York City’s most exclusive timeshare residence.
The Manhattan Club – Phase 2
Financing by Finova Capital Corporation
The second phase of construction consisted of the creation 68 units on five floors. Extensive probing and research went into the planning stages of the renovation of this 1920's hotel. During Phase 2 of the Manhattan Club construction, a 4,000 square foot Club Floor was constructed. Elegantly decorated with custom furniture and fixtures, this area on the 26th floor of the hotel includes and bar, cigar lounge, fitness center, meeting rooms and offices.
Continuum South Beach
Miami, FL
Financed by GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation
The Continuum Company purchased the southernmost 12 acres of beachfront property on Miami’s South Beach in 1999. The first of two 40 story towers was completed in December 2003. The first Tower contains 318 luxury condominiums, including 18 townhouses surrounding its base. It features a 20,000 sf luxury spa, two acres of lagoon and swimming pools placed throughout lush tropical gardens, a world class clay court tennis center and beach pavilion. The tower is 100% sold out and occupied. The building’s apartments were sold for the highest price per square foot in South Beach.
The Richmond
201 East 80th St, NYC
Financing by Yamaichi America
101 Unit luxury condominium
250,000 square feet
The Richmond Condominium was converted from an existing warehouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Portions of the 16 story structure were removed and eight Penthouse floors were added to the top of the building, creating a 24 story luxury condominium. The base of the building contains 40,000 sf of retail space and is occupied by Eli's, a gourmet food retailer. The residences range from 900 square feet to over 4,000 square feet.
Sold Out Prior to Completion
Received Final Certificate of Occupancy in 1999
180 Montague Street
Brooklyn Heights, NYC
Financed by Union Labor and Life Insurance Company (ULLICO)
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33 Stories, 193 Luxury Rental Apartments
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10,000 sf of Retail
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76 Parking Spaces on three below grade levels
The 33 story luxury tower was constructed on a small footprint just 12 feet from a subway tunnel. Due to DOB parking requirements, three sub-levels were created to accommodate 76 parking spaces. Pinpoint coordination with the NYC Transit Authority was required to insure no disruption of the subway service during demolition, excavation and foundation. A core shift during the design process resulted in greater efficiency in the residential section and created additional valuable retail space at the ground floor. Upon completion, 180 Montague Street commanded the highest residential rents in Brooklyn.
Certificate of Occupancy 2000
Sold to Archstone Smith for over $100 million in 2002
Assisted Living
Socius Principals created an assisted living platform in Westchester and Connecticut. The model included a 120 bed ALF building and 40 bed Dementia Care facility on site.
The ALF design was created to provide economic and need based flexibility to potential residents. The dementia care facility was comprised of an acute section along with a higher functioning section to cater to the needs of a wide range of residents.
The selected sites were analyzed for access, zoning, demographics and constructibility. They were brought through a lengthy entitlement process.
Challenging factors included storm water mitigation, zoning compliance, community opposition, traffic mitigation and visibility. One site utilized an adaptive reuse of an existing historic estate in Westchester. The portfolio was sold in 2013.
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Head Office
84 Business Park Drive
#200
Armonk, NY 10504