Cushman & Wakefield president Bruce Mosler, running on no sleep but fueled by a steely resolve, held a press conference to outline C&W's plans to get the city firmly back on its feet. Mosler says the firm is "dedicated to assisting our clients in any way," in the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing, adding that securing emergency space and providing human resources, facilities management and other advisory services will be offered gratis to firms affected by the bombings.
The attacks, while incomprehensible in their senseless horror, are no match for the American spirit, Mosler says. "They may have bloodied our nose but we expect to come back stronger and better than every before. This is something we are taking personally."
Mosler tells GlobeSt.com that C&W has not lost any employees in the attacks, yet is determined to show solidarity in the face of adversity. "I want people to know that I believe that this industry is one of the most outstanding in terms of giving back to the community and at times like this it always rises to the occasion," he says. "We show an extraordinary level of support for one another." C&W is setting up a Web site to facilitate aid to companies and individuals affected by the tragedy, holding a blood drive and working with city and state officials to supply fuel to buildings in need.
C&W's commitment and resolve has been echoed throughout the industry. The same day Mosler offered his firm's resources, Newmark & Co. Real Estate Inc. president James Kuhn asked GlobeSt.com to get the message out that Newmark is also ready to roll up its sleeves. "We can provide technical assistance, advisors, access to temporary space to get companies up and running," Kuhn says. "We've been knocked down before and every time we get up stronger."
Downtown real estate broker Eychner Associates is creating a database to match tenants in need with space and is asking anyone who has vacant space to contact its offices. Call 212-807-0700 ext. 296. And GVA Williams has set up a clearinghouse to match affected firms with temporary space and is asking companies to donate desks, workspace, conference rooms or other space for temporary use. Call 212-716-3500.
BOMA is accepting contributions through its local associations, affiliates, and members in the United States and internationally. Contributions should be made to the Commercial Real Estate Education and Research Foundation or the CREER Foundation, Attn: Ann Coslett, 1201 New York Ave., NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005.
Silicon Alley firms are offering up office space and cyberspace to help displaced tenants. Neal Lerner of LookingForSpace.com says he is "more than willing to convert the LookingForSpace.com site to a free resource for companies willing to provide emergency office space and companies that were affected by the disaster who need interim space." Call 914-725-1199. The New York Software Industry Association is making a similar offer. Phone contact is 212-691-0609, ext. 226.
Ken Seiff of BlueFly.com is offering 9,000 sf of temporarily vacant office space to anyone who has been displaced. Call 212-944-8000 ext. 311. Jason McCabe Calacanis, editor & CEO, Silicon Alley Reporter & VentureReporter.net says his firm has two 7,000-sf spaces in Midtown, "if any company out there needs a place to set up camp over the next couple of days or weeks." Call 646-473-2201.
In addition to private initiatives, the City of New York's real estate arm, the Economic Development Corp., is offering space in all city-owned buildings. At least one such block of space is already returning to the market in an effort to aid displaced businesses. The Human Resources Agency, 180 Water St., has offered to return to its 250 Church St. location, freeing about 450,000 sf and 2,200 workstations. Call 800-I-LOVE-NY.
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