LIC’s Residential Evolution:
Preparing for the Next Waves
Redstone Theater 11:15AM - 12:15PM
Adding to the 11,000 units gained over the past decade, 2017-18 will see close to 10,000 new
units coming on line and an additional 12,000 plus on their way. Originally conceived as an area
for young single people working in Manhattan, LIC has quickly become a destination of choice
for families, empty nesters and local workers, as well as commuters. How is the next round of
developments adjusting to reflect these demographics (unit sizes, layouts, amenities, ownership
options) and do we anticipate future demand shifting? How do we integrate our new and existing
communities?
Eric Benaim
Modern Spaces
Eric Benaim is Founder of Modern Spaces, the leading
real estate brokerage and marketing firm in LIC. In just
9 years, Eric has expanded to offices in LIC, Manhattan,
Astoria, and Brooklyn. Modern Spaces has captured
70% of the market share of LIC and has successfully
marketed over $4 billion in sales. Eric is a board
member of the LIC Partnership.
Aaron Shirian
Lions Group NYC
Aaron Shirian is a Managing Director at Lions Group
NYC, a family business owned and run by the Shirian
Family. Lions Group is a residential developer with
over 1 million square feet of Long Island City housing
developed or in the pipeline. As Lions Group began
building in Long Island City in 2004, Aaron has
had a front row seat to substantial growth and the
transformation that has taken place. Aaron serves on the
board of the Long Island City BID. He has also worked
extensively to aid the development of the community
with work on the retail committee and lighting
committee. Additionally Aaron works in concert with city
agencies on the beautification of the neighborhood.
Zachary Adler
The Durst Organization
Zachary Adler is the Director of Transactions for
The Durst Organization, supervising the team that
underwrites and executes the firm’s acquisition,
financing and other transactional activities. Since joining
The Durst Organization, he has been involved with
several significant transactions including the financing
of 855 Avenue of the Americas and 625 West 57th
Street, and the acquisitions of Halletts Point, 1800 Park
Avenue, Queens Plaza Park, and the Piers at Penn’s
Landing. Zachary holds a Master’s Degree in Real Estate
from New York University and graduated from Emory
University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
John Young
New York City Department of
City Planning
John Young has been the Director of New York City
Department of City Planning’s Queens Office since
October 2000. He has shaped numerous planning
initiatives that build upon the borough’s strengths of its
broad and diversified economy and highly appealing and
growing neighborhoods. These efforts primarily have
focused on supporting expanding economic and mixedincome
housing opportunities in three important regional
centers – Long Island City, Jamaica, and Flushing.
Alan Suna (Moderator)
Silvercup Properties
Alan Suna is an architect, real estate developer-
Silvercup Properties and co-owner of Silvercup Studios
in Long Island City. Among the projects that Silvercup
Properties have done include the Industry and currently
under construction The Harrison, both on 44th drive in
LIC. Silvercup Studios has been home to such popular
TV series as 30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City,
and The Sopranos -- movies including The Devil Wears
Prada and When Harry Met Sally -- and over 1,000 TV
commercials. Current television productions at Silvercup
include: CBS’s Elementary and Madam Secretary, HBO’s
Divorce, TV Lands’ Younger and ABC’s Quantico. Alan is
a board member of the LIC Partnership
L. Stephen Hill
AIA, Hill West Architects
L Stephen Hill co-founded Hill West Architects to
provide clients with an architectural firm focused on
superlative quality for highly functional buildings. With
more than 25 years of experience, Hill’s designs have
made a significant contribution to the NYC skyline.
Known for his expert and efficient layouts and clear,
concise vision, Hill has crafted a variety of buildings,
from high-rise residential towers and mixed-use hotels,
to retail spaces, historic renovations and adaptive re-use
projects. In addition, his work has expanded to private
residences and commercial office space. His recent work
includes 161 Maiden Lane and One Riverside Park.