Mack-Cali Realty Corp.’s Harborside complex in Jersey City — Courtesy: Mack-Cali
By Joshua Burd
Mack-Cali Realty Corp. has hired a new team of executives and brokers to spearhead the ongoing transformation of its flagship Harborside complex in Jersey City.
The real estate investment trust announced Monday that Edward J. Guiltinan and Robert Willis have joined its ranks as senior vice presidents for leasing and construction, respectively, as it continues to reposition the 4.3 million-square-foot campus. The additions come alongside a new leasing agency team led by CBRE’s Mark Ravesloot, with Mary Ann Tighe set to consult on the project and a roster of brokers that also includes Peter Turchin, Jeffrey Babikian, Robert Norton and Brett Shannon.
“Both Ed and Rob bring unmatched experience and knowledge in their respective areas of work, which puts us in the best position to complete the transformation of Harborside and help attract tenants and win business as companies return to the office with a new list of requirements and considerations,” said MaryAnne Gilmartin, Mack-Cali’s board chair and interim CEO. “Companies today are demanding more control of every aspect of the work ecosystem, and Harborside is one of the only true campus destinations that provides that comfort and is accessible from around the region.”
The REIT’s plan to modernize and draw new tenants to Harborside is several years in the making, including steps such as new dining and retail options, amenity upgrades and a planned overhaul of the exterior of Harborside 1, 2 and 3. Mack-Cali is continuing with its plan under Gilmartin, who has taken the reins after a recent board shakeup and the ouster of former CEO Michael DeMarco.
The company has also turned over parts of its management team in recent weeks. Guiltinan, who brings 30 years of commercial real estate leasing experience, spent the past 20 years with Rockefeller Group, where he leased millions of square feet of office, retail and industrial space.
He recently participated in the redevelopment of 1271 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan and was responsible for the full lease-up of the building, which totaled more than 2 million square feet of office space, according to a news release. Those tenants include MLB, Latham & Watkins, Bessemer Trust and AIG, along with retailers such as Avra Estiatorio.
Willis, who is overseeing the completion of key renovation projects across Harborside, has more than 25 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar capital projects across asset types, Mack-Cali said. He most recently led design and construction for HEI Hotels and Resorts, while playing an integral role in the development of the New York Times Building for Forest City Ratner Cos.
The team will work in partnership with CBRE to implement a new marketing strategy focused on highlighting Harborside’s competitive advantages, including access, pricing and performance, the news release said. The REIT will also conduct a robust broker relations campaign in order to continue building Harborside’s awareness.
“From modern glass towers to renovated historic buildings filled with character, tenants have an array of options at Harborside, all sharing access to world-class amenities,” said Tighe, CBRE’s New York tristate region CEO. “We look forward to unlocking the full potential of this high-caliber campus, which offers everything major tenants and employees require in one location, including ultra-modern office space, an eclectic selection of stores and independent dining in a dynamic setting.”
