This Is How We Do It: The playbook for office-to-residential conversions

How did the largest office-to-residential conversion come about? Brian Steinwurtzel of GFP Real Estate offers an inside look at how lower Manhattan’s 25 Water Street, a struggling office tower that was transformed into more than 1,300 apartments. He discusses what this landmark project signals for urban resilience.· The right acquisition price and bold design and amenity choices can turn challenged office assets into world‑class residential properties.· Tax incentives can often be the deciding factor in whether a conversion is viable.· Fast execution is essential for controlling risks and costs in today’s market.· Office-to-residential conversions are highly bespoke, where building bones matter more than any rule-of-thumb formula.· Great residential conversions are redefining downtowns, but their future hinges on policy, pricing and how the next market cycle unfolds.