Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Real Estate Services in New York City
Founded in 1933, Walter & Samuels is one of New York City's most established full-service real estate firms. Our expertise spans leasing, property management, acquisitions, and asset management, serving global financial institutions and private investors. With over 85 years of experience in the NYC market, our seasoned professionals deliver tailored solutions for commercial and residential properties. We manage 3.1 million square feet of commercial space, 10,000 residential units, and have completed 37+ major residential conversions. Our team's deep market knowledge, cultivated through decades of navigating economic cycles, ensures strategic value optimization for clients.We specialize in repositioning underperforming assets and preserving historic properties through expert conversions. Our institutional-grade accounting platform provides secure, customized reporting for diverse client needs. By maintaining long-term relationships with architects, engineers, and contractors, we secure competitive pricing for property improvements. Our principals approach property management as owners, conducting periodic building studies to enhance long-term value. With a $3.5 billion portfolio valuation, we combine hands-on experience with innovative tools to deliver exceptional results.
Services
Property Management
Asset Management
Acquisitions
Residential Conversions
Commercial Leasing
Portfolio Valuation
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience in NYC real estate
- We manage 3.1 million square feet of commercial space
- Our team includes seasoned professionals with long-standing tenure
- We've successfully converted over 30 properties
- We offer robust asset management planning and execution
What people say
Positive experience
Great new workspace
Received accolades
Beautiful store
Appreciated communication
Services
Property Management
Our property management services combine owner-focused strategies with professional expertise. We analyze buildings to optimize service levels while controlling costs through competitive contractor pricing. Periodic studies identify maintenance needs and capital improvements that enhance long-term property value. Our team's hands-on approach ensures proactive management of residential and commercial assets.
Asset Management
We provide comprehensive asset management planning and execution with 85+ years of NYC market expertise. Our services include performance optimization for healthy properties and repositioning strategies for underperforming assets. We specialize in maximizing returns through strategic holding or sale recommendations, leveraging our deep understanding of market cycles and property potential.
Residential Conversions
As NYC's leading conversion experts, we transform pre-war buildings into valuable residential properties. Our process addresses zoning changes, renovation scale, and tenant negotiations while preserving architectural integrity. With 30+ successful conversions, we create vibrant communities by restoring historic properties and enhancing neighborhood appeal through strategic market repositioning.
Commercial Leasing
We specialize in commercial office leasing across Manhattan's key business districts. Our portfolio includes spaces at 419 Park Avenue South and 500 Eighth Avenue. Our leasing experts understand tenant needs and market dynamics, providing tailored solutions that match businesses with optimal commercial spaces to support their growth objectives.
Acquisitions
Our acquisitions team identifies individual properties and portfolios with long-term appreciation potential. We conduct thorough market analysis to evaluate investment opportunities and structure deals through direct purchases or co-ventures with institutional investors. Our expertise spans diverse property types, focusing on strategic additions that enhance client portfolios through market cycles.
People
David I. Berley
Chairman
Chairman since 1968, David I. Berley brings unparalleled NYC real estate expertise. With hands-on experience through multiple economic cycles, he leads property conversions and strategic decision-making. His leadership has driven the firm's growth to manage $3.5 billion in assets while maintaining focus on value creation and historic preservation.
Peter B. Weiss
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Peter B. Weiss oversees all operations with legal and strategic acumen. He ensures compliance with institutional standards while driving innovation in property management solutions. His leadership maintains the firm's reputation for excellence in NYC's competitive real estate market through ethical practices and client-focused service delivery.
Steve Forest
Senior Executive Managing Director
Steve Forest directs major asset management initiatives with deep market knowledge. He implements strategies for property optimization and tenant relations, leveraging 20+ years of experience in NYC's commercial real estate sector. His expertise ensures effective execution of the firm's long-term vision for client portfolios.
William S. Hesse
Chief Financial Officer
William S. Hesse manages financial operations with institutional-grade accounting systems. He ensures transparent reporting and fiscal responsibility across $3.5 billion in managed assets. His expertise in real estate finance supports strategic decision-making and client-specific financial solutions that maintain the firm's industry-leading standards.
Leslie Croft
Executive Assistant to the Chairman
Leslie Croft provides critical support to Chairman David Berley with organizational expertise. She coordinates high-level operations and communications, ensuring efficient execution of strategic initiatives. Her role maintains continuity in the firm's long-term projects and client relationships through meticulous attention to detail and operational coordination.
Questions
What real estate services do you offer?
We provide property management, asset management, acquisitions, residential conversions, and commercial leasing services across New York City.
How experienced is your team?
Our professionals have 85+ years of combined NYC market experience, with leadership members having tenure since 1968.
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Manhattan properties with expertise in commercial office spaces, residential buildings, and historic conversions.
Can you handle property conversions?
Yes, we've successfully converted 30+ pre-war buildings while preserving architectural integrity and maximizing value.
How do you manage properties?
We use owner-focused strategies with periodic building studies, competitive contractor pricing, and proactive maintenance planning.
What is your portfolio size?
We manage $3.5 billion in assets including 3.1 million commercial square feet and 10,000 residential units.
