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Remarking on the career of Michael R. Laginestra, Vice Chairman in CBRE’s Midtown Manhattan office, the New York Observer noted that Michael has “taken the term ‘power broker’ to a new level.”
One of the most accomplished dealmakers of his generation, Michael has completed more than 100 million SF in real estate leasing and sales transactions over the course of four decades, pioneering the way for some of the biggest names in business. In 2012, Viacom’s 1.6 million-SF renewal at 1515 Broadway made history as the largest leasing transaction in Manhattan. In 2014, he led the purchase and design of a 332,982-SF flagship showroom and service facility for Mercedes Benz at 770 Eleventh Avenue. He landed the iconic Four Seasons Restaurant a new home at 280 Park Avenue in 2016. The expansive 20,000-SF restaurant will bring a modern approach to its famed history as a power lunch destination. Topping off 2016 was a REBNY Most Ingenious Deal of the Year Award for the relocation of the National Hockey League to Brookfield’s One Manhattan West. Aimed for completion in 2020, the league’s new headquarters will feature 160,000 SF of office space, along with a 15,000-SF retail presence and a public ice rink.
The NHL deal is Michael’s third REBNY Deal of the Year. The first was in 1993, for Viacom’s relocation to 1515 Broadway, a catalyst for the renaissance of Times Square. The second came the following year, for a series of complex transactions on behalf of several organizations, most notably FCB/Leber Katz Partners and GM. In addition to REBNY honors, Michael received the NAIOP Acquisition of the Year Award in 2002, for the sale of Texaco’s 790,000-SF headquarters to a confidential global financial services firm.
Michael’s experience spans virtually every type of scenario, from complex leasing acquisitions and dispositions to national portfolio strategies, often for high-profile organizations operating on national and global stages. His success has created lasting ties—Viacom and Macy’s are two of several long-standing clients.
In addition to working with occupiers, Michael also has extensive experience with owners, having represented some of Manhattan’s most prestigious office buildings, including 150 East 42nd Street, 499 Park Avenue, 909 Third Avenue, 1540 Broadway, 101 East 52nd Street, 590 Madison Avenue and 888 Seventh Avenue.
Michael began his career at Cushman & Wakefield, rising to become the firm’s top producer in 1992. The following year he joined Insignia/ESG, CBRE’s predecessor, and was named Vice Chairman in 1999. He is a 14-time recipient of the Colbert Coldwell Circle Award, which recognizes CBRE’s top 100 producers.
Frequently quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, Commercial Observer and New York Post, Michael also guest lectures at New York University and New York University School of Law. As a REBNY Executive Committee member, he has moderated the REBNY Annual Negotiation Seminar for the past 17 years, actively contributing his knowledge to facilitate innovation across commercial real estate.
One of the most accomplished dealmakers of his generation, Michael has completed more than 100 million SF in real estate leasing and sales transactions over the course of four decades, pioneering the way for some of the biggest names in business. In 2012, Viacom’s 1.6 million-SF renewal at 1515 Broadway made history as the largest leasing transaction in Manhattan. In 2014, he led the purchase and design of a 332,982-SF flagship showroom and service facility for Mercedes Benz at 770 Eleventh Avenue. He landed the iconic Four Seasons Restaurant a new home at 280 Park Avenue in 2016. The expansive 20,000-SF restaurant will bring a modern approach to its famed history as a power lunch destination. Topping off 2016 was a REBNY Most Ingenious Deal of the Year Award for the relocation of the National Hockey League to Brookfield’s One Manhattan West. Aimed for completion in 2020, the league’s new headquarters will feature 160,000 SF of office space, along with a 15,000-SF retail presence and a public ice rink.
The NHL deal is Michael’s third REBNY Deal of the Year. The first was in 1993, for Viacom’s relocation to 1515 Broadway, a catalyst for the renaissance of Times Square. The second came the following year, for a series of complex transactions on behalf of several organizations, most notably FCB/Leber Katz Partners and GM. In addition to REBNY honors, Michael received the NAIOP Acquisition of the Year Award in 2002, for the sale of Texaco’s 790,000-SF headquarters to a confidential global financial services firm.
Michael’s experience spans virtually every type of scenario, from complex leasing acquisitions and dispositions to national portfolio strategies, often for high-profile organizations operating on national and global stages. His success has created lasting ties—Viacom and Macy’s are two of several long-standing clients.
In addition to working with occupiers, Michael also has extensive experience with owners, having represented some of Manhattan’s most prestigious office buildings, including 150 East 42nd Street, 499 Park Avenue, 909 Third Avenue, 1540 Broadway, 101 East 52nd Street, 590 Madison Avenue and 888 Seventh Avenue.
Michael began his career at Cushman & Wakefield, rising to become the firm’s top producer in 1992. The following year he joined Insignia/ESG, CBRE’s predecessor, and was named Vice Chairman in 1999. He is a 14-time recipient of the Colbert Coldwell Circle Award, which recognizes CBRE’s top 100 producers.
Frequently quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, Commercial Observer and New York Post, Michael also guest lectures at New York University and New York University School of Law. As a REBNY Executive Committee member, he has moderated the REBNY Annual Negotiation Seminar for the past 17 years, actively contributing his knowledge to facilitate innovation across commercial real estate.