A Message from Matthew Whalen

Each year, spring is a time of renewal. That’s especially true this year. With greater numbers of the population receiving the Covid-19 vaccine and cases on the decline, we can finally imagine a world beyond the pandemic. Of course, the way back to “normal” will not be quick or easy.

At Cord Meyer, we have spent more than a year working to help our tenants navigate Covid-19-related challenges. Our exceptional leasing, maintenance, and security departments have been in near-daily contact with the owners and representatives of the offices, stores, restaurants, and service businesses that comprise our tenant base. Now, with city and state restrictions being lifted, it is increasingly clear that we have turned a corner as people of all ages again venture out to shop and dine. An equally hopeful sign this spring is the growing number of men and women returning to their workplaces. Such activity creates a positive ripple effect that can be felt throughout the economy.

Beyond tenant relations, Cord Meyer remains active on the development side of our business — a significant area that benefits the local economy by promoting job growth and generating tax revenue for residents. Throughout Queens, Cord Meyer owns prime real estate that lends itself to commercial, residential, and retail development. Through new hires and promotions, we are expanding resources in this critically important department and look forward to announcing several exciting projects.

Lastly, Cord Meyer continues to build relationships with not-for-profits that play a meaningful role in the lives of our tenants, shoppers, neighbors, and employees. As an example, we recently learned that an important annual art show mounted by the Bayside Historical Society would be forced to go virtual this year. We quickly arranged to have much of the artwork displayed in store windows at the Bay Terrace shopping center so the public could view the show up close and in person, as originally conceived. It was just the latest instance of our longstanding commitment to the communities in which we operate.

On behalf of everyone at Cord Meyer, thank you for being part of our ongoing journey and our extended family. Be safe and stay well.

Cord Meyer Salutes Sunrise Association

 

Among the not-for-profits supported by Cord Meyer, one in particular stands out for the significant role it plays in bringing comfort to families navigating the difficult world of pediatric cancer. Founded in 2006 by Arnie Preminger, Sunrise Day Camp is the world’s first full-summer day camp provided free of charge for children with cancer and their siblings. Today, there are eight Sunrise Association Day Camps – three in New York, one in Georgia, one in Maryland and three in Israel.

“Sunrise Day Camps bring the simple pleasures of childhood back to children between three-and-a-half years old and age 18 struggling with cancer, changing months of loneliness and isolation into summers filled with laughter and happiness,” observes Preminger, who serves as President & CEO of parent organization, the Sunrise Association. “And because Sunrise is a day camp, it does all this while allowing the children to continue their medical treatment and enjoy the comfort and safety of their own homes at night.”

The Cord Meyer crew readying Camp Sunrise for the return of campers this July!
Camp Sunrise before Covid-19 forced the cancellation of last summer’s in-person camp program.

Sunrise Association also offers year-round programs and in-hospital recreational activities to children with cancer worldwide — all offered free of charge.

Cord Meyer President and CEO Matthew Whalen notes, “An organization like Sunrise Association depends on donations from individuals, families, and corporate partners to fulfill its mission. Cord Meyer is honored to support Sunrise and its programs, which bring joy to children exactly when joy is needed most.”

In addition to direct giving, Cord Meyer has funded the purchase of toys for Sunrise and helped assemble gift bags of toys for delivery to area hospitals. The effort, named Surprises from Sunrise, is part of the association’s Covid-response for children in hospitals.

Most recently, under the direction of Cord Meyer Director of Maintenance Hector Gonzalez, the Cord Meyer team spent a spring day off-site helping Sunrise Association prepare its camp in Wheatley Heights, New York, for reopening this summer. The work was particularly necessary since the camp had been closed to in-person attendance last year due to Covid 19.

“I was very proud of how everyone from Cord Meyer pitched in,” explains Gonzalez. “Our team did an awesome job. Thanks to our help, a huge majority of the work is now complete for opening day. It’s a great feeling knowing we made a difference helping such an important, caring organization.”

 

Cord Meyer looks forward to a long partnership with Sunrise Association and encourages everyone to learn more by visiting www.sunriseassociation.org. To donate to Sunrise Association, please visit www.sunriseassociation.org/donations/donate-today/.

CORD MEYER TENANT PROFILE

Dream City

Corrie Hu, the owner and founder of Forest Hill’s popular children’s play-space, Dream City, enjoyed several careers before deciding to pursue her true passion — teaching. A classically trained musician, she had served as a foreign language interpreter at the Department of Justice and as a CPA and hedge fund tax manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Finally, in 2013, she attended Teachers College at Columbia University, receiving a master’s degree in Elementary Education before accepting a teaching position at PS 196 in the heart of Forest Hills.

“As a teacher, I tried to build an atmosphere conducive to both social and intellectual learning,” Corrie notes. “I also knew that I wanted to make learning more fun and effective.”

 After giving birth to her two children, her passion for teaching and working with children grew even stronger. She realized there was an unfilled demand for an indoor play-space in Forest Hills — where she had lived since 2007 — where young children could learn to play and play to learn.

“My dream was to start my own school,” she explains. “Whenever I walked around Forest Hills I would be on the lookout for space. It took a few years but then in 2018 I found it — a vacant Beach Bum tanning salon in a property belonging to Cord Meyer. I saw a lot of potential and knew I could build my dream here.”

Corrie Hu celebrates the completion of the Dream City mural with Queens artist Rob Anderson.

Corrie’s dream took a major step closer to fulfilment once she spoke with Cord Meyer Vice President of Leasing Mary Hughes.

“Mary was fantastic,” Corrie remembers. “I instantly felt very connected to her. She was so warm and kind. It didn’t feel like a business meeting. She asked, ‘How can we help you make your dream a reality?’ Together we figured out the details.”

The entire 6,200-square-foor-space was reimagined and custom-designed for children six years old and under. Today, Dream City is recognized as a valuable community resource offering open play, remote learning, camp, special events, parties, and so much more.

“Cord Meyer has been a supportive part of Dream City from the start,” Corrie concludes. “I would describe them as very professional but also very personal. For instance, when I made Dream City a drop-off location for Toys for Tots, Cord Meyer got involved and dropped off two huge boxes filled with toys. You can tell that they really care about their tenants. It’s been a win-win situation.”

For more information on Dream City, call 718-880-2352 or please visit www.dreamcityfohi.com

Bay Lane Estates Nears End of Sales

Located at 212th Street and 23rd Avenue near Cord Meyer’s Bay Terrace Shopping Center, Bay Lane Estates began welcoming potential buyers in 2020. Now Bay Lane is down to its final available townhomes.

Each two-family luxury home at Bay Lane Estates is steeped in contemporary style with modern conveniences, including chef-inspired kitchens, state-of-the-art appointments, and spacious layouts. Located in the heart of Bayside, these beautiful residences can serve as income-producing properties or the perfect home for your family in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in New York City.

Bay Lane Estates represents a unique opportunity to own something that can change your life, your income, and your future. Discover Bay Lane for yourself. To make an appointment, call 718-281-0080 or visit BayLaneEstates.com.

MEET THE CORD MEYER TEAM

RYAN C. TATZEL

Vice President of Development

 

Ryan Tatzel began his first day as Cord Meyer’s Director of Development on March 16, 2020. Within four days he was sent home along with the rest of the organization. Covid-19 had instantly changed everything.

“I had to pivot like everyone else,” he observes. “Luckily, I was used to working and studying remotely, but it’s not how I had envisioned my first official week at Cord Meyer.”

A 2009 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he received his BS in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Business, Ryan had spent the ensuing decade developing domestic and international patents, serving in the Navy Reserve, working at a series of investment and property management firms, and co-founding a technology company that was sold to a private equity backed company. Before Cord Meyer, Ryan had most recently served as an intern at Tritec Real Estate Co. It was through Tritec that he was introduced to Cord Meyer President and CEO Matthew Whalen.

“From the moment I met Matt and learned of the development opportunities at Cord Meyer, I wanted to be part of his team,” Ryan states. “I was looking to transition from the start-up world to real estate and here was a 116-year-old family office with an extraordinary portfolio of assets under management. I knew I could bring value to Cord Meyer while learning about the company from the ground up.”

Ryan wore many hats during Cord Meyer’s initial “all-hands-on-deck” response to Covid-19. More recently, however, his efforts have been squarely focused on real estate development following his promotion to Vice President of Development this winter.

While most days now find Ryan managing development projects from conception through stabilization, he still makes time to excel academically. In addition to recently completing his master’s at NYU’s prestigious Schack Institute of Real Estate with a concentration in Finance and Investment and a 4.0 GPA, Ryan was just presented with the 2019/2020 Shack Academic Excellence Award.

Please join us in congratulating Ryan on his many successes and new role as an officer at Cord Meyer.

BRETT STEWART

Development Manager

 

For Brett Stewart, attending Princeton University provided much more than a stellar education and a BA in Politics. It led the Garden City, New York, native to Cord Meyer, where he was recently hired as Development Manager.

“At Princeton, I studied microeconomics, international relations, physics…you name it. But it was playing for the Princeton University varsity football team that gave me the opportunity to meet Matt Whalen,” Brett explains. “Captains of industry and former players would come in and give motivational speeches to the team. One day it was Matt, who had been the sole captain of the 1987 Princeton team and an outstanding inside and outside linebacker. We developed a friendship and kept in touch. He knew of my interest in real estate and in 2020 invited me to interview at Cord Meyer.”

Brett had been employed by a general contractor for a year, working with his hands and handling all aspects of construction. “I had caught the real estate bug,” he admits, “so when the chance came to join Cord Meyer, I knew it was a great opportunity.”

As Development Manager, Brett lends support to development initiatives and assists Cord Meyer Vice President of Development Ryan Tatzel.

“I try to help Ryan so he can operate more efficiently,” he observes. “We are ramping up on the development side so there is a lot going on. It’s an exciting time at Cord Meyer. I’m very grateful to be part of the organization and definitely appreciate the path that led me here beginning with Matt’s pep talk to the Princeton varsity football team.”

BAY TERRACE EVENTS

A full listing of events can be found on the Bay Terrace website at www.BayTerrace.com or by visiting Here.

QPAC Presents: The Doo Wop Project at The Bay Terrace! Sunday, May 23, 2021

QPAC Presents: Soul Cruisers at The Bay Terrace! Sunday, June 27, 2021

Please support our friends at Commonpoint Queens by donating clothing to Commonpoint Closet.
Cord Meyer and the Bay Terrace are proud sponsors!