This month The Real Deal ran a story about how the work Casandra Properties has done over the years is shaping the way people view Staten Island. High profile projects such as Empire Outlets and Urby Staten Island are attracting positive attention from developers, investors and visitors who have never been to Staten Island.
The article provides historical context about how Casandra Zappala launched the company as a boutique firm in 1989 when commercial real estate was “a man’s world”. But because she knew Staten Island well, she soon found success in attracting national retailers to the Island. As she says, ““They knew I knew what I was doing. It was that simple.”
James Prendamano, Managing Director of the firm explained why national retailers and investors seek out Casandra Properties when they want to do business on Staten Island, “To do large projects out here, you really do have to be part of the fabric of the community. We are a tight knit borough, and they [property owners] want to see a familiar face that they can trust.”
In the article Prendamano talks about Casandra Properties’ commitment to the Staten Island community and its emphasis on personal service allowing them to compete against larger Manhattan firms who tried to establish a foothold in the borough.
With Empire Outlets 80% leased and Urby 100% leased on the retail side and nearly fully leased on the residential side, Prendamano believes that the north shore of Staten Island will soon see more multi-unit residential projects being built on the north shore, attracting more young professionals to the borough.
For more information about commercial or residential listing or to speak with James Prendamano or Casandra Zappala, call 718 816-7799.
Leave a Comment