By Joshua Burd
R.J. Brunelli & Co. has hired Peter S. Reinhart, the head of Monmouth University’s real estate program and a former longtime executive with Hovnanian Enterprises, to lead a new division within the retail brokerage focused on mixed-use developments.
Reinhart, a well-known figure in the commercial real estate industry, joins the Old Bridge-based firm as an executive vice president. In the new role, he will work with homebuilders, developers, owners, buyers and tenants on all aspects of mixed-use developments.
He will continue in his position as director of the Kislak Real Estate Institute at Monmouth University, a role he assumed in 2011 after 33 years at Hovnanian Enterprises Inc., including 30 years as senior vice president and general counsel. He also served as a director of the iconic homebuilding company, the largest in New Jersey during his tenure, from 1985 through 2003.
Reinhart is also of counsel with the law firm of Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP and a director of Four Springs Capital, a private real estate investment trust.
“Peter’s extensive experience, knowledge and contacts in all aspects of real estate development are key to R.J. Brunelli & Co.’s efforts to expand our services in the mixed-use arena,” said Richard J. Brunelli, chairman and principal with the firm. “Between his many years at Hovnanian and leadership roles in numerous statewide and regional industry groups, Peter will be an invaluable asset to our team members and clients involved in mixed-use projects.
“Notably, his appointment comes at a time when growing numbers of shopping center owners are seeking to add residential and other non-retail elements to their properties in the wake of department store and other anchor closures.”
Reinhart, who also chairs New Jersey Future, the smart growth advocacy organization, has held other high-profile roles in business and public policy. He is a member of the special New Jersey Economic and Fiscal Impact Policy Workgroup appointed by state Senate President Stephen Sweeney and a trustee and member of the executive committee of Hackensack Meridian Health.
Additionally, he is a director for Springpoint Senior Living and is a founding board member of NJSpotlight.com.
Reinhart’s past roles have included chair of the Community Foundation of New Jersey and president of the New Jersey Builders Association, the Shore Builders Association and the Community Associations Institute, R.J. Brunelli said. He was also a member of the Regional Plan Association steering committee for the Fourth Regional Plan for the New York metropolitan area, while serving on the state Council on Affordable Housing from 1993 to 2004.
The Little Silver resident graduated with honors from Rutgers Camden Law School and earned his undergraduate degree at Franklin and Marshall College.