UVA Student Real Estate Trek to Washington, DC and Northern Virginia – Spring 2024

More than 30 UVA students—from the College of Arts & Sciences, Architecture School, Batten School, Engineering, McIntire School, and Darden School of Business—embarked on Feb. 15, 2024, on a trek to DC to explore real estate in the region while also enjoying unparalleled opportunities for learning and networking.

Upon their arrival at The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill, located at 20 Massachusetts Ave. NW, where they stayed for the trek, the 34 students heard a presentation by DPR Construction. Led by Matt O’Malley (Architecture ’00) and his team, the discussion delved into the process of transforming the former office building into the 274-key Royal Sonesta Hotel, ground floor retail, top-of-the-line office space, and a premier 3,100-square-foot penthouse ballroom on floor 11. Designed sustainably, the adaptive reuse property has a LEED Gold and a WELL health safety rating and meets Energy Star efficiency standards. After the presentation, students explored the property firsthand.

Next, the Center hosted a dynamic student-alumni networking reception in the property’s Crown Ballroom, where alums, real estate professionals, and students mingled over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Each student was introduced and given a platform to share their real estate aspirations.

Day two of the trek kicked off with breakfast and a presentation by FCP. Zach Stahl and Tina Tagliaferri taught students about the real estate private equity process and development. They also highlighted the firm’s ESG efforts and recent successful deals.

Students then hopped back on the bus to meet with Bill Brewer (A&S ‘10), Emily D’Alessandris, and Nick Frank (Darden ‘19) of Trammell Crow Company and view The Fitzgerald of Palisades, a boutique retirement community tucked within Washington, DC’s historic and charming Palisades neighborhood. With the project still under construction and slated for completion in late 2024, students had the chance to witness a real-life project in the making.

The day concluded with a visit to 1676 International Drive, where students met with Kevin Byrd (A&S ‘10), Jay Farmer (A&S ‘04), David Goldstein, Herb Mansinne, Chris Molivadas, and Matt Nicholson of JLL. Students were introduced to three JLL teams—tenant representation, capital markets, and agency leasing—and learned more about renovation and leasing with a tour of the newly refurbished building.

The White Ruffin Byron Center for Real Estate and the Richard A. Mayo Center for Asset Management are pleased to co-sponsor this enriching two-day real estate trek, open to all UVA students each semester.