Friday, 30 December 2016

Philips International, Believe Excellence In Hotel Development Calls For Important Relationships

As Philip, Seth, and Michael Pilevsky argue, when we conjure images of iconic American landmarks we call to mind things like the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the Empire State building, and the Golden Gate Bridge. From coast to coast, many natural and artificial landmarks act as symbols of American prosperity, strength, and beauty. Even in dark times of American history, these landmarks have stood as representations of the American spirit and dream. It was during the Great Depression, in fact, that America built arguably its most prominent landmark building - the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building was built as a sign to the American people that despite hard times, the nation was still strong and still fighting for its future. Still among the tallest buildings in New York, it remains an eternal symbol of the New York City skyline. (For more on the fascinating history of this most iconic of New York's buildings, please see 'Philips International, Excellence In Hotel Development' on philips-international.com)

Recently, the owner of the Empire State Building, Malkin Holdings, announced that they were seeking to fold the building into a real estate investment trust (REIT), called the Empire State Realty Trust. Comprise of more than seventeen New York properties, the announcement of the Empire State Realty Trust created a massive uproar of excitement with New York’s real estate developers. In terms of business, the Empire State building offers not only a vast amount of office space, but also generates more than $85 million annually with over 3.6 million tourist visits to one of the buildings two observation decks. 

Tourism aside, the building still stands as an important potential revenue generator. The building’s tourism revenue may already be at its peak, but substantial revenue will come from the building’s office leases once renovations are complete on the building’s interior. Additionally, the building holds potential retail space. For developers such as Philip Pilevsky and his sons, Michael Pilevsky and Seth Pilevsky of Philip International, a real estate development and management firm, this opportunity is exciting for a number of reasons. It is a chance to be involved in the management of one of our country’s most iconic landmarks, in addition to it being a sound business decision. It also demonstrates the truth that for Philips International, the importance of relationships in real estate cannot be overestimated.

That is why Philip, Michael Pilevsky, and Seth Pilevsky partnered with Joseph Tabak in June of 2013 and announced a $2.1 billion offer for the iconic tower with plans hinging on the retail aspect of the tower’s retail and commercial space, including a hotel. The duo plans to develop a hotel in the 102-story building and convert the base into a destination retail hub with the financial backing of long-time investors. Despite this huge interest, Malkin Holdings decided against releasing the Empire State Building at the time. It could be up for grabs in the near future, but for the time being the iconic landmark remains unchanged in the New York cityscape.

Wednesday, 28 December 2016

Philips International, Reshaping New York One Building at a Time

New York City has become famous for it's skyscrapers and condensed architectural wonders. It rises out of Manhattan island like an urban jungle, with its vast concrete, glass and metal canopies. To see it is to marvel at how so many large amazing buildings can all be full, with purpose and function. However, in truth, many real estate developers will tell you that not all these wonderfully tall buildings are being utilized fully. In fact, there is potential to make New York even greater, by investing the right, time, money and business into making them fill their potential.

Find out about Philips International, Push for Boutique Hotels Catches Developers Eyes here. There are some real estate companies, such as Philips International who have become legendary for their wok in helping maximize the potential of space in some of New York's finest buildings. Founded by Philip Pilevsky over thirty years ago, the company have developed residential, commercial and private space across the country, taking some of the prime land spots in the nation. In New York, they have embarked on particularly impressive projects, and brought about the boutique hotel revolution in the mid-80s, which still thrives today.

One such example of their real estate might was the rejuvenation of the American Radiator Building. It has long been one of the cities most prized pieces of architecture, with its striking black stone (representing coal) and the cold plated tips (representing fire), which make this Gothic masterpiece stick out from the rest. When the company left the building some time ago, it was up to Philip Pilevsky and his company to help renovate the building and bring it back to its former glory. Today it is a luxury hotel, utilizing the great space of the building and making it more functional within the New York City landscape.

Furthermore, just round the corner lies the Empire State Building. One of the most impressive buildings ever constructed by man, today it is at the center of a bidding war with real estate investors, including Philip Pilevsky looking to make their claim to restore the once tallest building in the world to its former glory. To find out more about Philips International and their impact on New York, follow the link here to Philips International, What It Takes To Rebuild New York’s Neighborhoods.

Monday, 26 December 2016

Philips International, History, Politics, and Architecture

When we conjure images of iconic American landmarks, we call to mind things like the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the Empire State building, and the Golden Gate Bridge. From coast to coast, many natural and artificial landmarks act as symbols of American prosperity, strength, and beauty. Even during the dark times of American history, these landmarks have stood as representations of the American spirit and dream. It was during the Great Depression, in fact, that America built arguably its most prominent landmark building - the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building was built as a sign to the American people that despite hard times, the nation was still strong and still fighting for its future. Still among the tallest buildings in New York, it remains an eternal fixture of the New York City skyline – a symbol, as Philips International recognizes, of history, politics and architecture.

Recently, the owner of the Empire State Building, Malkin Holdings, recently announced that they were seeking to fold the building into a real estate investment trust (REIT), called the Empire State Realty Trust. Comprise of more than seventeen New York properties, the announcement of the Empire State Realty Trust created a massive uproar of excitement with New York’s real estate developers. In terms of business, the Empire State building offers not only a vast amount of office space, but also generates more than $85 million annually with over 3.6 million tourist visits to one of the buildings two observation decks. 

Tourism aside, the building still stands as an important potential revenue generator. The building’s tourism revenue may already be at its peak, but substantial revenue will come from the building’s office leases once renovations are complete on the building’s interior. Additionally, the building holds potential retail space. For developers such as Philip Pilevsky of Philip International, a real estate development and management firm, this opportunity is exciting for a number of reasons. It is a chance to be involved in the management of one of our country’s most iconic landmarks, in addition to it being a sound business decision. And for Philips International, excellence in hotel development made the company a prime candidate to win the tender.

That is why Philip Pilevsky partnered with Joseph Tabak in June of 2013 and announced a $2.1 billion offer for the iconic tower with plans hinging on the retail aspect of the tower’s retail and commercial space, including a hotel. The duo plans to develop a hotel in the 102-story building and convert the base into a destination retail hub with the financial backing of long-time investors. Despite this huge interest, Malkin Holdings decided against releasing the Empire State Building at the time. It could be up for grabs in the near future, but for the time being the iconic landmark remains unchanged in the New York cityscape.

Wednesday, 21 December 2016

Philips International, Managing Sustainable and Visionary Property Development

When it comes to property development, there is more than just counting the dollar signs flooding into the account. With the managing of large residential and commercial properties, comes a certain responsibility, that many take for granted. These people, in charge of managing and helping develop landscapes are the architects who will define the future of the cities and towns in which they build. For this reason, it is important that they have some eye for aesthetics and show enough vision to be able to make sure the right developments take place on the right sites. Michael Pilevsky is a direct at the established real estate company Philips International, and takes pride in his role in helping created a pleasant built environment.

Find out more about the company and  their latest projects by visiting the link here Philips International, An Eye for Real Estate Investment. Michael Pilevsky is an expert in commercial real estate and Managing Director at Philips International. He enjoys helping his tenants find real estate solutions that will best facilitate their businesses, whilst respecting the area in which the properties will be built to make sure they fit in with the current environment.

One such example of one of the more established and reputable properties managed by Michael Pilevsky is The Corner 200 West, which offers more than 46,000 square feet of retail space in one of the most famous and fashionable areas of New York on 72nd and Broadway. As a member of the executive team, Michael Pilevsky has helped to realize the corporate philosophy of Philips International, which has been to carefully select and acquire prime holdings in some of the most desirable locations around the United States. For Philips International, the clients needs must be met, whilst at the same time ensuring they make a positive economical and visual impact on the site they acquire.

Many of the more high-profile properties owned by Philips International are located in New York, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Texas, and Florida. Michael Pilevsky has helped many business owners purchase office condominiums in his career—an occupancy vehicle that affords independence from landlords to its users. Thanks in part to the expertise of Michael, Philips International has been able to grow into one of the largest privately owned property management and development firms in New York today, and with visionary projects on the horizon, looks set to raise its stake even more in the industry. Find  out more about the company here at Philips International, The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate Development.

Monday, 5 December 2016

Philips International, The Historic Buildings of New York

When we think of some of the most iconic buildings in the entire world, chances are that many of them are found in New York City. Some of New York’s most famous buildings are known around the world for their innovation and the symbolism they represent. The Statue of Liberty, for example, has been a symbol of welcome and freedom to those coming to the United States for the first time; the Empire State building towers as an example of American ambition and prosperity; the One World Trade Center is a symbol of American resilience and our constant strive to better ourselves and rebuild from our past. This motivation, the rebuilding of our past in order to benefit our future, is a particularly important concept when it comes to the builds of New York. Many of them are in serious need of repairs and revitalization, motivating developers like Philip Pilevsky to find new purposes for iconic buildings.

In a recent article about Philips International, “History, Politics, and Architecture”, Philip Pilevsky was described as “one of the most successful real estate developers of the modern age”. Part of his appeal as a developer is his insistence on protecting and preserving the cultural heritage and history of the cities he loves. He first got into real estate after graduating from Columbia University and moving to Florida. While in Florida, he started “flipping” properties, essentially buying underappreciated properties, fixing them up, and then reselling them at a higher price. This experience motivated him to move back to New York and take his real estate career to the next level.

After returning to New York, he took the concept of repurposing buildings and applied it to the boutique hotel industry. He became famous for his popularization of the boutique-style hotel. In contrast to typical chain hotels, a boutique hotel is one that has a smaller number of rooms and an atmosphere that is entirely unique. This provides guests with a feeling that they are having a one of a kind experience.

For Philips International, excellence in hotel development is found in the Bryant Park Hotel, a boutique hotel situation is midtown Manhattan. This hotel is a perfect example of the cultural preservation needed in New York City’s developments. The building was originally built in 1924 for the American Radiator Company and has a façade of black and gold bricks designed to represent the coal and fire of the American Radiator Company. Philip Pilevsky chose to keep the façade as it is and preserve it in the unique character of the Bryant Park Hotel.

Philips International, Helping New York City’s Skyline

New York City is famous for countless things, but one of the most important to the people, as well as the United States in general, is it's architecture. The New York Skyline is s architecture. The New York skyline is dotted with some of the most historic, not to mention beautiful, buildings in the world, including the Empire State Building, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and of course, the Statue of Liberty. Each of these buildings represents a unique part of American history and culture and adds to the city's overall charm and value. Unfortunately, many of these buildings are also incredibly old, with the vast majority of New York's most iconic buildings having been built in the 1930s after the Great Depression. Because of this, they show signs of wear and tear that are expected for any building that has gone through forty years of life in one of the world's most populated cities. Many developers, and the government itself, has realized the importance in preserving New York's unique buildings and are actively working to do so.

Philips International Holdings Corporation, one of the nation's largest real estate and property developers, has focused on designing their business around helping to preserve the cultural heritage and landmarks of New York City. In a recent article about Philips International, "History, Politics, and Architecture", Philip Pilevsky was described as "one of the most successful real estate developers of the modern age", largely because of this professional philosophy. After getting his start in real estate in Florida where he was flipping properties, he returned to New York City where he attended Columbia. He decided to take his experience in repurposing and renovating properties in Florida and put it towards helping with the development of New York City.

One of his greatest accomplishments came from his invention and popularization of the boutique hotel design concept. A boutique hotel differs from traditional chain hotels in two key ways, they are typically smaller and they have a noticeably unique atmosphere. This makes them an obvious choice for individuals who are visiting a city and want a memorable experience that they cannot get anywhere else. The industry for boutique hotels has been booming since the eighties and the unique character of New York City is perfect for them.

For Philips International, excellence in hotel development means repurposing famous New York Buildings. For example, the now popular Bryan Park Hotel was originally the American Radiator Building. Philip Pilevsky purchased this hotel, named because of its proximity to Bryant Park, in 1998. He chose to keep the building's unique black and gold bricking, a symbol of the coal and fire of the American Radiator Company, respectively.

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Philips International, The Legacy of Philip Pilevsky

When it comes to one’s legacy, few people can physically point to what they have left behind. However, for real estate developer Philip Pilevsky, this is not the case. As one of the country’s most successful real estate moguls and pioneer of the boutique hotel concept, he has created, or rather preserved, an image for himself as a protector of unique urban real estate and customer service. As CEO and owner of the Philips International Holdings Corporation, Philip Pilevsky has built a career for himself in the real estate industry that includes some of the nation’s most iconic hotels and property development projects. Along with his two sons, Michael and Seth Pilevsky, Philip Pilevsky has grown Philips International into one of the largest privately owned real estate development and property management organizations in New York City and beyond.

In a recent article on Philips International, “History, Politics, and Architecture”, Philip Pilevsky was described as “one of the most successful real estate developers of the modern age”, and this comes as no surprise to those in the industry. After graduating from New York’s Columbia University, Philip Pilevsky began his real estate career in Florida, where he started buying and quickly reselling properties that had less stringent zoning requirements. He spent years in Florida buying properties, arranging financing, and procuring tenants before returning to New York in 1974 in order to focus on retail properties, as well as many other commercial and residential investments.

In the 1980’s, Philip Pilevsky had had his eye on a number of iconic New York buildings and was developing a concept for using them. He wanted to continue to build his reputation in the real estate industry, but at the same he knew that he wanted to leave behind a legacy of honoring the city that he loved. From this motivation, Philip Pilevsky developed the concept of the boutique hotel. In contrast to chain hotels which succeed on providing customers with cookie-cutter experiences regardless of location, boutique hotels focus on two key aspects: atmosphere and customer service.

For Philips International, excellence in hotel development comes from providing one of a kind experiences and atmospheres for their guests. Boutique hotels have relatively fewer rooms and this allows for more intimate customer service. They are also designed to honor and uphold the building’s original atmosphere, preserving many of the interior and exterior design elements. This combination of customer service and atmosphere in boutique hotels has made Philip Pilevsky one of the most respected real estate developers in the country.

Friday, 7 October 2016

Philips International, Managing New York’s Skyline

When we conjure images of iconic American landmarks, we call to mind things like the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the Empire State building, and the Golden Gate Bridge. From coast to coast, many natural and artificial landmarks act as symbols of American prosperity, strength, and beauty. Even in dark times of American history, these landmarks have stood as representations of the American spirit and dream. It was during the Great Depression, in fact, that America built arguable its most prominent landmark building: the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building was built as a sign to the American people that despite hard times, the nation was still strong and still fighting for its future. Still among the tallest buildings in New York, it remains an eternal symbol of the New York City skyline.


Recently, the owner of the Empire State Building, Malkin Holdings, recently announced that they were seeking to fold the building into a real estate investment trust (REIT), called the Empire State Realty Trust. Comprise of more than seventeen New York properties, the announcement of the Empire State Realty Trust created a massive uproar of excitement with New York’s real estate developers. In terms of business, the Empire State building offers not only a vast amount of office space, but also generates more than $85 million annually with over 3.6 million tourist visits to one of the buildings two observation decks. 

Tourism aside, the building still stands as an important potential revenue generator. The building’s tourism revenue may already be at its peak, but substantial revenue will come from the building’s office leases once renovations are complete on the building’s interior. Additionally, the building holds potential retail space. For developers such as Philip Pilevsky of Philip International, a real estate development and management firm, this opportunity is exciting for a number of reasons. It is a chance to be involved in the management of one of our country’s most iconic landmarks, in addition to being a sound business decision.

That is why Philip Pilevsky partnered with Joseph Tabak in June of 2013 and announced a $2.1 billion offer for the iconic tower with plans hinging on the retail aspect of the tower’s retail and commercial space, including a hotel. The duo plans to develop a hotel in the 102-story building and convert the base into a destination retail hub with the financial backing of long-time investors. Despite this huge interest, Malkin Holdings decided against releasing the Empire State Building at the time. It could be up for grabs in the near future, but for the time being the iconic landmark remains unchanged in the New York cityscape.

Philips International, The Future of the Empire State Building




If asked to name the most iconic buildings in our nation, chances are the Empire State Building is going to be in the top three somewhere. That is why in 2007 it was ranked number one on the AIA’s List of America’s Favorite Architecture. Not only is it a strong symbol for New York City, it is a national icon and until recently, the United States’ largest tower. Inside the building are more than one thousand commercial businesses, retail stores, broadcast stations, observation decks, and approximately 21,000 employees. There are two observation decks on the building, which generate more than $85 million annually with over 3.6 million tourist visits. In short, the Empire State Building is one of the most important structures in our nation and it embodies the strength and history of the American people.

But what about the future of the Empire State Building? Is the building, having been built during the Great Depression, now outdated and in the background? For some it may be. Originally the tower represented a largely blue-collar symbolism. The plaques in the building’s lobby read “Steel,” Plumbing,” and “Masonry.” Nowadays, it is mostly a white-collar place of business and tourism. With revenue from the millions of tourists visiting the observation decks every year, the potential for renting office space, and the historical significance of the building, the Empire State Building is a real estate developers dream come true. The building is currently owned by Empire State Realty Trust, of which Anthony Malkin serves as Chairman, CEO, and President. Recently, Malkin Holdings entertained the idea of passing ownership on to another, and this move had real estate developers in an uproar over who might make a bid.

Philips International, one of New Yorks leading real estate developers and property managers, decided to make a bid. Led by Owner, Founder and CEO, Philip Pilevsky the company recognized the potential that the building held for property leasing as well as its historical significance for the city. Having acquire, developed, and management multiple historic buildings in New York City, the real estate firm was excited at the opportunity to participate in the history of such an iconic building. In partnership with Joseph Tabak, Philip Pilevsky made a $2.1 billion dollar offer on the Empire State Building.

In the end, Malkin Holdings was unable to let go of the building and continues to own and manage it to this day. In the future, however, the Empire State Realty Trust will need to search for investors with a strong connection to New York City’s past.

Philips International, Atmosphere And Hotel Management

There is nothing more important to a hotel experience than the atmosphere that the building creates for its guests. People traveling for work need to feel that their room is a comfortable and inviting place for down time. People on vacation want an atmosphere that will transport them out of their daily lives for a short period of time. Hotel décor and overall design are crucial in creating this atmosphere, which is why architects and interior designers work hard to make sure that all details works together in order to create a unique environment and experience. 
Philips International, based in New York City, is a real estate management and development company established in 1979 by Philip Pilevsky. They have countrywide operations, providing some of the most luxurious accommodations and unique room design. In fact, their focus on aesthetic and customer service is what led them to develop the concept of “boutique hotels” in the 1980’s. Boutique hotels are a style of accommodation that distinguishes itself from larger chain or branded hotels by providing guests with ultra-personalized service and care, beyond what chain hotels even attempt to provide. They are typically very stylized, with a smaller number of rooms and smaller staff to ensure that every guest can have a personal interaction with any staff members.

When it comes to boutique hotels, Philips International is most famous for their avant-garde design. When it comes to both choosing a development and creating the design elements, Philips International focuses on customizing their décor in order to give each of their boutique hotels a personalized feel. They have a propensity for taking under-appreciated properties and transforming them into modern, stylish accommodation. Take the Andrew Hotel in Great Neck. With sixty-one rooms, the Andrew Hotel has become a symbol for minimalist design in the New York area. They incorporate luxurious materials such as mohair, marble, oak, and silk, which gives the Andrew Hotel both a modern feel, as well as a cozy one. With great proximity to shopping and other amenities, the Philips International’s Andrew Hotel is a great example of the potential in boutique design.

The brilliance of the Philips International aesthetic comes from founder and CEO Philip Pilevsky. He has decades of experience in the New York and national real estate scene. He specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of both residential and commercial properties. Under his guidance, Philips International has cornered the market on top-quality boutique hotel design and service.

Monday, 12 September 2016

Philips International, A Leader in Hotel Development

When people think of New York City, their minds immediately conjure up images of its impressive skyline, shaped by iconic structures such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and more recently, the One World Trade Center. However, the city that never sleeps has another groundbreaking building in its midst whose unique construction and decorative design has made it a staple of New York’s concrete jungle since its completion in 1924. Not too far from the Empire State Building stands this neo-Gothic tower shrouded in black and gold: the American Radiator Building.

Since its inception, the American Radiator Building has been owned by several high-profile property developers, including Philips International. Yet, its beginnings are fairly humble. In 1922, Raymond W. Hood, who at 41 years old had not accomplished much in his design career, was pushed by his colleague John Mead Howells to enter a design competition for the anticipated Chicago Tribune building. Inspired by the neo-Gothic structures he knew through working for Cram, Good hue Ferguson, Hood submitted a original and innovative neo-Gothic tower design that won the commission. Suddenly, Hood was known all over New York, and within a year, he was designing the American Radiator Company’s headquarters on West 40th Street across from Bryant Park.

The building’s neo-Gothic ornamentation combined with the overall sleek geometric lines anticipated the Art Deco craze that would soon envelop Manhattan architecture. The black brick with gold accents solidified the structure as one of the most daring experiments in color in modern buildings in America. The American Radiator Building was also the first New York skyscraper with dramatic exterior lighting. In 1988, the building was sold to Japanese company Clio Biz, who planned on converting it into a hotel. However, the building sat empty for a decade until Philip Pilevsky of Philips International purchased it in 1998 for $15 million. Finishing what Clio Biz had never started, Pilevsky started the building’s conversion into the Bryant Park Hotel.

Pilevsky brought in many design experts to turn the building into one of New York’s most exclusive and luxurious hotels, including British designer and architect David Chipperfield, who had also designed fixtures for American Standard. Chipperfield’s unique vision brought the visitor from the 1920s outside to the 60s-inspired 21st Century inside with bright colors and vibrant designs. He placed burgundy leather walls in the lobby area, and custom-designed many of the high-end details and fixtures in the space, including a vaulted-ceilinged cavern house the Cellar Bar and a restaurant below the lobby level.

Friday, 9 September 2016

Philips International – A Legacy of Excellence in Real Estate Practices

Philip Pilevsky is one of the biggest names in real estate – an impressive feat when your area of expertise is New York City. A graduate of Columba University, where he received his MA in education and political science, Pilevsky is currently the founder, chairman, and CEO of Philips International, an esteemed position he has held for almost four decades. Philips International is one of the largest privately owned real estate development and property management organizations in New York.

As its head leader, Pilevsky oversees all aspects of ownership, development, sales, acquisitions, leasing, and property management for over 200 properties that include retail shopping centers, commercial office buildings, residential properties, hotels, commercial condominiums, and residential cooperatives throughout the United States. Because of Pilevsky’s unmatched experience in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, the company has continued to grow steadily since 1979, seeking opportunities across the country and committing itself to building strong relationships and innovative ideas.

Like all successful businessman, however, Philip Pilevsky has evolved over the years. In the mid-80s, much of Pilevsky’s revenue came from his uncanny abilities as a flipper, or a real estate dealer who sings a contract to buy a property and sells the contract before he takes title to the property. As the 38-year-old president of Philips International, Pilevsky freely conceded that his ability to invest millions of dollars of his own capital into his projects was due to successful flipping over the previous decade. But in 1984, Pilevsky began moving away from his reputation as a flipper, and instead started focusing on building his portfolio as an investor.

At that time, Pilevsky said he had about $400 million worth of property, including large-scale development projects including the recently completed River Hotel on Christopher Street in the West Village, and the new 28-unit condominium under construction on the Avenue of the Americas between Waverly Place and Washington Place in Greenwich Village. His endeavors have clearly defined him as an entrepreneur in the real estate world.

Pilevsky’s strategy has also been unique. Starting out as a land dealer in Florida, Pilevsky later moved to Orlando where he found he could resell land that had been mapped for development in the 1920s. He returned to New York in 1974, where he obtained a broker’s license and began building small shopping centers in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. When it comes to buying property, Pilevsky said he always avoids ‘pyramiding,’ meaning each of his projects is independent of the others.