Alon Barzilay presents a Case Study in Development
Alon Barzilay, Vice President of Development and Partner at The Klein Company, guest lectured during the Cornell Real Estate Industry Seminar, Thursday, October 12, 2006.
While Barzilay spoke generally about the various products The Klein Company has produced throughout its years in operation, he also provided students with the unique opportunity to delve into one of his projects currently in the development phase. The Manayunk project, a 5-story residential apartment building, represents a unique blend of historic preservation and modern construction. Situated on the waterfront in the heart Manayunk – once a hotspot for shopping in the Philadelphia area – the old, rundown building commands a view of the water and close proximity to various restaurants, boutiques, and bars. The redevelopment of the more than 100 year old building would bring permanent urban residents that would help reinvigorate the area’s retail and dining establishments.
Barzilay aptly explained the intricacies and difficulties of taking a project from concept through the approval process by likening the development process to the creation of music. “To be a developer you are a composer of a piece of music and the director, and it takes a long time.”
Barzilay joined The Klein Company in 2002, which specializes in developing Class “A” apartment and condominium communities ranging from high-rise to low-rise styles. The Klein Company operates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida, and has 30 years of experience in luxury multi-family development, construction and management.
Barzilay was recently featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the “40 Under 40” young professionals in the Greater Philadelphia area. Recognition is based on business success, as well as community activities, leadership ability, and regional impact. Barzilay holds a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, a Master’s from Harvard, and is a member of the Cornell Real Estate Council.
The Real Estate Industry Seminar is a weekly session held exclusively for students in the Program in Real Estate. It provides students the opportunity to interact with industry leaders and explore a number of current topics within the real estate field.