Regardless of its impact on the neighborhood, many real estate developers, unfortunately, look for the next best opportunity. While this simple entrepreneurial practice may not seem so damaging on its own, the best real estate developers pick their projects with a purpose and account for both positive and negative externalities.
New construction projects are able to re-shape the style as well as potential value of a neighborhood for better or for worse. This is precisely why Jason Halpern is the independent real estate development entrepreneur who is keen on improving old buildings’ financials as well as modernizing their look in a way that preserves their original character and any historic landmark status. Halpern’s very specific modus operandi is responsible for his vast success in recent years.
Building a brand on refurbishing old buildings and outfitting them with new amenities and modern technology in a way that preserves its historic integrity (and any federal, state, or city landmark status), its authentic style as well as improves the financials of the building, Jason Halpern and JMH Development are able to distinguish themselves from the competition. The New York City real estate community is in agreement, as principal of JMH Development, Halpern has successfully positioned himself, and his company, as the leader in tastefully refining and modernizing historical districts in the city, winning awards for almost all of his new development projects.
As a testament to Halpern’s ability to build a construct a new development that complements the existing style in the neighborhood, improves the existing financials, as well as includes all the popular modern technology and amenities, Halpern’s and JMH Developments’ ‘Luxury Residences at 70 Henry’ project was unanimously approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in June of 2015.
As an homage to his deep roots in Brooklyn, Halpern felt personally connected to this project located in the famed historic district of Brooklyn Heights. Halpern and his partner Gerard Longo of Mettle Property were able to deliver on a stunning project that both embraces modernity as well as classic Brooklyn. Boasting the much-sought-after design of Morris Adjmi, the 70 Henry project offers five luxury residences, a maisonette, several full-floor residences, and an expansive penthouse with a private roof deck perfect for both entertaining as well as social distancing.
Halpern’s success with his 70 Henry project, reinvigorating the style and financials of the building while securing and preserving landmark status, is not the first of this kind. For around two decades now, Halpern has been inspired to take on projects, which preserve the historic integrity of its surrounding neighborhood, regardless of their perceived risk and complexity. This is more than just a business for Halpern, it is his passion; Halpern loves to take in the beauty and sense of antiquity while walking through historic districts. This reverence for the past and authentic character is part of Halpern’s motivation for mixing modernity with historical preservation.
Halpern commonly quips, “I’m not just a developer, I’m a preservationist.”
Halpern’s exceptional ability to carve out this niche for himself and JMH Development, has allowed him to build and close multiple properties at a price point of 100 million dollars or more. Halpern’s and JMH Development’s impressive ability to preserve the integrity of a building and its neighborhood all while impressing investors and potential buyers with their buildings’ high-quality improvements, luxurious amenities, innovative technology, and strong financials are why he is widely recognized as the premier choice to develop and refine historic districts.
