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From Boardrooms to Bedrooms: Exploring the Region's Office to Residential Conversions

Learn how D.C. is navigating through adaptive re-use strategies, overcoming economic challenges and success stories

Rob Seldin

Rob Seldin

Managing Principal

Madison Highland Live Work Lofts

Desa Sealy

Desa Sealy

Founder

Gotham Urban Ventures

Richard Lake

Richard Lake

Founding Principal

Roadside Development

Jason Spicer

Jason Spicer

Division VP

The Whiting-Turner Contractor Company

Chris Boone

Chris Boone

Vice President of Multifamily

Lessard Design

Sean Roddy

Sean Roddy

Project Executive

GCS - SIGAL

Spencer Marks

Spencer Marks

Co-Founder, COO

Arthroto

Gregory Riegle
Moderator

Gregory Riegle

Partner

McGuire Woods

Rob Seldin

Managing Principal

Madison Highland Live Work Lofts

Robert Seldin is the Managing Principal of Madison Highland Live Work Lofts and is responsible

for leading all company development activity. With 25 years of award-winning apartment

development, design, strategy and innovation leadership, Rob is widely recognized as an

industry thought leader. With a 100% entitlement success rate on over 13,000 units in high

barrier to entry US markets, Rob consistently generates market leading returns at below market

cost bases, providing a permanent competitive advantage to his investors. In addition to

conventional apartment assets, Rob is also the US Patent Inventor for the proprietary live/work

building conversion and construction method and apartment operating system that has become

the basis for this industry re-defining asset type. Prior to managing Madison Highland LW Lofts,

Rob was the Founder and CEO of Highland Square Holdings, as well as the Founder and CEO

of Novus Residences, LLC; both of which were award winning, DMV based, apartment and

Live/Work development and operating companies and Head of National Product Design and

Senior Vice President of Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Development for Archstone, a premier

apartment industry REIT.

Desa Sealy

Founder

Gotham Urban Ventures

A real estate veteran with over 25 years of experience, Desa has developed commercial, mixed use and residential projects.

Beginning her career in community development, Desa led the transformation of long- vacant parcels in the riot-scarred 14th Street corridor, laying the foundation for its subsequent rebirth. In the private sector, she addressed similar issues at-scale, developing over $60 Million of affordable housing and mixed-use development. In the Public Sector, Desa served as Project Executive for complex, high profile developments. Currently through Gotham, she works with private, municipal and nonprofit clients to maximize the value and efficacy of their real estate holdings, increasing savings and generating additional revenues.

Desa is a former Obama appointee with the Public Building Service of the US General Services Administration. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Brown University and a M.S. in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the SEED School of DC and is a founding Director of City First Bank of DC.

Richard Lake

Founding Principal

Roadside Development

Richard Lake is a founding Principal of Roadside Development. Roadside was formed 20 years ago as a Washington, DC-based

development company, focused on the creation of retail and mixeduse environments. Roadside has become one of the leading experts

in urban and town center development throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC region.

Mr. Lake has been responsible for overall acquisition, entitlement, development, leasing, and property management of more than 25 million SF over the past three decades. Notable recent projects include City Ridge located at 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW which occupies 550 feet of frontage

along Wisconsin Avenue NW, the site includes approximately 9.71 acres of land that is bound by a residential neighborhood to the south, Glover-Archbold Park to the west, and a private office building to the north; City Market at O & 880P, a million square foot, urban infill project in the

heart of the Shaw neighborhood in Washington DC, which spans two city blocks and featuresnearly 90,000 square feet of retail, 550 luxury rental apartments, 90 affordable senior rental units, a 182-room key hotel, a 500-car parking garage, and incorporates the historic preservation of the

nationally registered landmark O Street Market; Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, a 105-acre mixed-use retail town center and residential community in Woodbridge, Virginia; and Cityline at Tenley, which preserved and transformed an abandoned historic Sears building into an award-winning mixed-use project that attracted Washington, DC’s first Best Buy and Container Storeretailers while also incorporating a contemporary addition of 204 luxury condominium units.

Mr. Lake’s talent for working with development teams and optimizing a project’s full value potential throughout all stages of the real estate cycle is one of his greatest assets. He has also served as a consultant on several real estate projects throughout the country, with an expertise in

place-making, by creating successful retail environments and public spaces that amenitize and enhance residential, commercial, and cultural uses to become vibrant mixed-use communities. Mr. Lake is a native Washingtonian and has been an active member of the business community

for over 30 years. Prior to co-founding Roadside Development, he was the founding partner of The Retail Group and led Madison Retail Group, a full-service retail brokerage firm that was the dominant leader in the DC and Mid-Atlantic markets. He began his career in real estate as a

broker with Smithy Braedon ONCOR International. He is a graduate of Boston University.

Mr. Lake currently serves on the board of directors for several non-profit and economic development organizations, including Co-Chair of the Washington DC Economic Partnership, Iona Senior Services (also previously President of the Board), Executive Committee Member for DCBIA, Prince William County Economic Advisory Board and Trustee of Federal City Council. Mr. Lake is also a member of ULI and ICSC

Jason Spicer

Division VP

The Whiting-Turner Contractor Company

As a Vice President in Whiting-Turner’s Washington DC office and a leader of our national residential

industry excellence group, Jason Spicer provides our teams with his expert problem-solving skills to

determine the best approach to our projects. Jason is a leader whose enthusiasm and passion hasn’t

wavered from when he began his career, over 20 years ago. He offers his knowledge and expertise on

residential and mixed-use projects including market rate and affordable apartments, dormitories, and

student housing. In addition to Residential and Mixed Use projects, Jason and the Washington DC office

team specialize in hospitality, higher education, K-12, institutional, senior living, office, aviation, mission

critical, and historic renovation. When Jason isn’t with his Whiting-Turner family and clients, he enjoys

time with his wife, Kathleen, and seven children………….yes seven children. Together, the family operates a small farm in Maryland where they raise beef cattle

and sheep.

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Maryland College Park. Go TERPS!

Chris Boone

Vice President of Multifamily

Lessard Design

As Vice President at Lessard Design, Christopher leverages over 25 years of proven leadership in architecture and construction, guiding projects through every phase of development-from visionary concepts to successful execution. His expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family residential, where he has consistently delivered transformative designs that balance creativity with functionality. Renowned for his ability to meet demanding deadlines and exceed client expectations, Christopher is committed to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities through innovative solutions. On a national scale, he has played a pivotal role in managing complex, high-profile developments, with budgets reaching up to $400 million-demonstrating his strategic oversight and unwavering focus on excellence.

Sean Roddy

Project Executive

GCS - SIGAL

Sean Roddy currently serves as a Project Executive for GCS-SIGAL and has been in the A/E/C industry for nearly 25-years. As a Project Executive, Sean directs projects using established project controls and procedures. He is currently working on an office repositioning project, the Guardian Apartments, and has extensive experience in the multi-family market sector.

Spencer Marks

Co-Founder, COO

Arthroto

Spencer Marks is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Arthroto, an international technology startup focused on commercial to residential adaptive reuse with prefabricated solutions. Spencer excels in leading startups and fostering high-performance environments. With a career that includes a successful IPO and over 30 M&As, he is a proven leader across multiple industries. His expertise extends to leading operations organizations and advanced programs for private, public, and government entities, including the US Air Force. Rooted in Cornell Engineering, Spencer's track record is marked by industry-shaping innovation and consistently delivering value to stakeholders.

Gregory Riegle

Moderator

McGuire Woods

Greg is managing partner of the firm's Tysons Corner office and practices commercial real estate law with a concentration in land use, zoning and redevelopment matters.

He began his real estate career as a professional urban planner. Prior to joining McGuireWoods, he worked extensively in the public and private sectors. Collectively he has more than 25 years experience in the real estate development industry.

He has substantial experience representing major land developers, owners, companies, institutions, lenders and landlords. He works closely with clients to conduct feasibility analysis, analyze applicable development requirements, prepare necessary development-related applications, and present such proposals in meetings and public hearings before decision-making boards and commissions. He has extensive contacts with local government officials, as well as influential community and civic groups, and is able to anticipate, identify and creatively address issues related to the acquisition, development and disposition of real property.

He provides clients with the analysis and advice necessary to complete all legislative and administrative approvals associated with the land development processes. His skill in drafting, negotiating and reviewing development agreements, proffers, zoning opinions and easements enables clients to complete the required processes with minimized and accurately qualified risk.

The types of developments he has facilitated include office and industrial parks, shopping centers, regional shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, residential subdivisions, master planned communities, and elderly housing uses. He routinely handles the proceedings for necessary rezonings, special exceptions, special permits, variances, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, appeals and Zoning Ordinance Amendments before numerous local government authorities in Northern Virginia and the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., area.

Much of Greg's work and accomplishments are closely tied to the region's existing and expanding rail transit corridors. He is particularly well versed in the planning, economic and design considerations that are unique to real estate development in transit oriented areas. In addition to representing owner and developers, he has been appointed by local governments to serve as an industry representative on many of the Task Forces and Work Groups charged with redrafting the governing planning and zoning regulations to recognize the opportunities associated with well planned and economically viable transit oriented development.

Redefining the Classics: Office Repositioning Opportunities Outside of Residential

From pickleball courts to hotels to office to data centers, discover the latest conversion opportunities happening throughout the District.

Gerren Price

Gerren Price

President and CEO

DowntownDC Business Improvement District

Craig Deitelzweig

Craig Deitelzweig

President & CEO

Marx Realty

Leona Agouridis

Leona Agouridis

President & CEO

Golden Triangle BID

Ted Traum

Ted Traum

Director, Development

Rockrose

Drew Turner

Drew Turner

Director, Development

Douglas Development

Sean Stadler

Sean Stadler

Design Principal and Managing Principal

WDG Architecture

Michael Jarmolowich
Moderator

Michael Jarmolowich

Managing Director

PACE Loan Group

Gerren Price

President and CEO

DowntownDC Business Improvement District

Gerren G. Price brings to the DowntownDC BID more than 15 years of experience directing and

supporting large-scale youth, workforce, and education programs and initiatives in the

government and nonprofit sectors. He joined the BID as Director of Public Space Operations in

2018. Previously, he served as Senior Associate for National Community Strategies at the Annie

E. Casey Foundation. Gerren began his career managing a national youth mentoring program

before serving in several capacities in the District of Columbia Government, starting in the

Office of the Chancellor for D.C. Public Schools, then later serving as Director of Programs at the

Department of Parks and Recreation and as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of the Deputy

Mayor for Education. At the D.C. Department of Employment Services, he rose to hold the

positions of Associate Director of the DOES Office of Youth Programs and Deputy Director of

Youth Workforce Development, and also served as Deputy Director of Business Engagement

and Intergovernmental Affairs and as the agency’s Interim Director.

Craig Deitelzweig

President & CEO

Marx Realty

Craig joined Marx Realty as its President and CEO in 2017 and has been responsible for growing

the company as well as streamlining the company’s strategy by focusing on value-add office

investments in three core markets: New York City, Washington D.C. and Atlanta. Craig is also

charged with repositioning Marx’s entire portfolio as well as growing the Marx team and profitability.

Over his 25-year career, Craig has vast experience in every aspect of the real estate industry and

believes in a very hands-on approach. Prior to Marx, he held senior roles at both private equity and

private development companies, including redeveloping over 50 assets in major markets across the

country with a particular emphasis on NY and DC. Craig’s projects have received various awards

from industry groups such as NAIOP, BOMA, Globe St., Crain’s, Washington Business Journal and

AIA. He has been interviewed as a thought and innovation leader in several features in the Wall

Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg and on CNBC, and was selected as one of the Real Estate Forum’s

Best Bosses of 2019. Craig was named to the 2020 Commercial Observer’s Power 100 List. Craig

previously practiced law in the real estate and litigation departments at Skadden before transitioning

to the business side of the industry.

Craig graduated Cum Laude from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business (where he

currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Advisory Board) and earned a J.D. at Fordham

University’s School of Law. Craig serves on the Mixed-Use Council of the Urban Land Institute and

on the Strategic Advisory Council of Shadow Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in

PropTech investments.

Ted Traum

Director, Development

Rockrose

Ted Traum leads all aspects of investment strategy, acquisitions, development, and asset

management for Rockrose Development’s commercial business unit. In this capacity, Ted has

executed over $1 billion dollars of acquisitions relating to over 2 million square feet of office

space in New York and Washington D.C. Notable projects include the acquisition and

redevelopment of 11 Madison Square North in New York and Alexander Court, the Row on 19th

Street and 555 11th Street in Washington, D.C.

Prior to joining Rockrose, Ted was an investment banker at Morgan Stanley in New

York. Ted received his JD and MBA from New York University and his BA from Columbia

University. Ted began his career as an associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions group at Davis

Polk & Wardwell.

Drew Turner

Director, Development

Douglas Development

Drew Turner is a Director of Development at Douglas Development where he has spent 10

years. In his capacity, Drew leads entitlement, design, construction, while also supporting

efforts on JV agreements, construction loans, acquisitions, dispositions, and marketing on over

$1.0 billion worth of development. Notable projects that Drew has executed for Douglas

include, Uline Arena, 655 New York Ave, 1000 F Street, 1900 Half Street, Cotton Annex, AC

Hotel Convention Center, Georgetown Tribute Hotel, SEC HQ, amongst others. Drew is an active

member of the Mount Vernon Triangle Board of Directors, as well as a ULI young members

Mentor. Drew received his BS from University of Delaware and a Master’s in Real Estate from

Georgetown University. Drew lives in Annapolis, Maryland where he spends time on the water

with his three boys, wife, and lab.

Sean Stadler

Design Principal and Managing Principal

WDG Architecture

Sean Stadler, FAIA, LEED AP is a Design Principal and Managing Principal of WDG where he focuses on elevating the firm’s stature in design, with particular emphasis on enhancing the civic realm. He is directly responsible for leading the planning, re-zoning and design of complex, high-profile urban projects, bolstering WDG’s reputation for sustainable and distinctive, mid- and high-rise structures with contemporary urban sensitivity. Mr. Stadler’s diverse experience includes commercial, residential, hospitality, educational, and sporting facilities. He is a member of the AIA College of Fellows, and he has been honored with an AIA President’s Award for his service to the profession and was recognized as one of the “rising stars of the AEC industry” by Building Design + Construction Magazine in 2009. He is a recipient of the 2011 AIA Young Architects award where the jury noted that “he is a unique individual of outstanding talent and clear commitment.”

Michael Jarmolowich

Moderator

PACE Loan Group

Michael Jarmolowich ("Jarmo") joined PACE Loan Group in 2021 as a Managing Director. Jarmo has over 20 years of experience in finance. Prior to joining PLG, he was a Managing Director at Stifel Financial Corp., where he focused on the C-PACE market and other areas of sustainable real estate finance. His experience also includes progressively senior experience at Lehman Brothers, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, and Hilltop/Southwest Securities.

Jarmo holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park, an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and currently holds Series 7 and 63 licenses from FINRA. He is also a former NFL player.

Opening Remarks

Nina Albert
Keynote

Nina Albert

Deputy Mayor, Planning and Economic Development

The District of Columbia

Terence Callahan

Terence Callahan

President, DC Market

United Bank

Terence Callahan

President, DC Market

United Bank

Terence Callahan is President of United’s DC Market, where he leads the team serving the Bank’s largest territory

and supports many of its most significant commercial customers throughout the nation’s capital. He joined United in

2013 and has held key positions across the Bank, including Portfolio Manager, Commercial Banking Officer and VP,

Commercial Banking.

Throughout his career, Terence has executed several major deals at United and been recognized as a top

performer. He was notably one of 30 employees selected for United’s coveted Leadership Development Program,

an in-depth career development program designed for high-performing employees across United Bank's footprint.

Terence currently serves as a Director of Poor Roberts Mission; Member of the Catholic Charities Development and

Communication Committee and Catholic Charities Corporate Advisory Council; and Career Leadership Council

Member at the Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business. He earned

Why You Should Attend This Office Conversion Conversation

  • Office-to-residential conversions are a hot trend in the commercial real estate industry right now. How are DC developers and investors making headway in pivoting assets and sustainably developing noteworthy projects?

  • With an increase in office-to-office repositioning, how are developers rethinking older office assets and turning them into class-A buildings and office campuses? What trophy-quality amenities are being implemented into these properties?

  • What specific asset classes, such as hotels, mixed-use developments, or pickleball courts, are being prioritized in the repositioning of office spaces in Washington, D.C., and what market trends are influencing these choices?

  • Downtown Action Plan: What types of innovative financing models or incentives are being utilized to encourage developers to undertake office repositioning projects in DC, and how effective have these been in driving redevelopment?

  • What challenges and opportunities are anticipated in the process of repositioning office spaces in DC, and how are the city government or relevant stakeholders involved in overcoming these challenges?

  • How is the repositioning of office spaces into residential developments contributing to the overall housing strategy in DC?  What considerations are being taken to address the unique challenges of these types of conversions?

  • How is the repositioning of office spaces aligning with broader urban planning and city development initiatives?

How You'll Do More Business

Although the office market continues a slow down nationwide, converting distressed office buildings into residences continues to remain high. With the popularity of office-to-residential conversions, DC continues to rethink vacant buildings with other popular assets including office-to-hotels, office-to-pickleball courts and even office-to-office. As we enter into 2024, will developers and investors continue to feel bullish about repurposing such properties? How will the Downtown Action Plan play into the latest repositioning projects? Join us and the region's top players as we discuss the current market trends and developments happening throughout D.C. 

Projects, Achievements & Articles

Who Attends: DC's top owners, developers, investors, public officials, architects, GC's and thought leaders working in conversions.

For Questions regarding content, speaker recommendations, or sponsorship activations, please email our Director of Event Production, Elizabeth Baker, at katie.telder@bisnow.com To request disability-related accommodations, please contact Lizzie.Smith@bisnow.com no later than seven business days prior to the event.

Venue

The Westin Washington, DC Downtown
999 9th St NW
Washington, DC 20001

Ballroom: Anacostia Ballroom (content) Anacostia Ballroom Foyer (networking) 


Self - $19, Valet - $39

Get Directions

Agenda

Time Activity
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Registration, Networking and Breakfast
2:00 PM
2:15 PM
Opening Remarks from Deputy Mayor Nina Albert
2:15 PM
3:15 PM
From Boardrooms to Bedrooms: Exploring the Region's Office to Residential Development Plans, Design Trends and More

Learn how D.C. is navigating through adaptive re-use strategies, overcoming economic challenges and success stories

3:15 PM
3:30 PM
Quick Break!
3:30 PM
4:30 PM
Redefining the Classics: Office Repositioning Opportunities Outside of Residential

From pickleball courts to hotels to office to data centers, discover the latest conversion opportunities happening throughout the District.

4:30 PM
5:00 PM
Closing Networking

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