Rob Hellman began his career in real estate in 1983 as part of Lehman Brothers’ efforts to raise equity and debt for real estate investment transactions. During his 16 years at Lehman Brothers, he served as president and/or chief executive officer for several public real estate funds that acquired over seven million square feet of retail space, 1.8 million square feet of commercial space and over 1600 multifamily residential units. As fund and asset manager, his responsibilities included leasing, capital budgets, financing, dispositions and the hiring of third-party management companies. Mr. Hellman also sat on the investment and risk management committee of Lehman’s Diversified Asset Group responsible for approving dispositions, major lease transactions and financing decisions.
Real Estate Portfolio Management/Strategic Planning
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Workouts and Debt Restructuring
Capital Sourcing
New Product Origination
Following his career at Lehman Brothers, Mr. Hellman became a Senior Managing Director at Newmark & Company Real Estate, Inc., where he was a Principal of Newmark Capital Group and the firm’s Retail Financial Advisors. His client responsibilities at Newmark included investment sales, restructuring and M&A services to retailers, lenders and landlords. He subsequently formed Riverstreet Realty Advisors to provide real estate portfolio management, due diligence, financing, leasing and advisory services to principals and lenders for both performing and non-performing assets. In a consulting capacity, he was also brought in as a partner of Columbus Circle Capital, LLLP to source debt financing for a securitizable niche insurance product. EDUCATION: Mr. Hellman holds a B.A. from CornellUniversity, a master’s degree from ColumbiaUniversity, and a J.D. from FordhamUniversity. He teaches Real Estate Capital Markets at the ICSC University of Shopping Centers and has lectured at the Cornell Graduate Program in Real Estate and the Real Estate Board of New York. AFFILIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Mr. Hellman’s affiliations include: Urban Land Institute (full member); International Council of Shopping Centers; Cornell Real Estate Council; University Council of Cornell University; licensed New York real estate broker; board member of the New York chapter of the Turnaround Management Association; New Jersey Bar. He is also the recipient of The American Jewish Committee Accountants, Bankers and Finance Division 2001 Human Relations Award. REPRESENTATIVE ENGAGEMENTS/TRANSACTIONS
Underwriting and property acquisition for a $330 million offering (Aetna Real Estate Associates) to finance the acquisition of a diversified portfolio of institutional-quality commercial real estate.
Negotiated the sale of several regional malls and community centers totaling over five million square feet of space, an office, industrial and multifamily portfolio throughout the Southwest, 1800 acres of timberland for development in Georgia, and a ten-property self-service storage portfolio.
On-site due diligence and valuation of over 800 assets for $2 billion Confederation Life (SASCO 1996-CFL) CMBS transaction.
Restructured over $200 million in commercial mortgage loans.
Liquidation of over $550 million in assets of department store, including retail and corporate real estate.
Regional mall purchased for $36 million; instituted $18 million renovation and repositioning; sold for $81 million.
Restructured multifamily portfolio mortgage debt to free up cash flow for capital improvements and reposition for sale.
Risk management assessment of real estate portfolio exposure for investment bank’s senior and mezzanine debt.
Restructured mortgage debt in bankruptcy for owner of fashion and discount shopping centers subsequently sold for $23.5 million.
Valuation of entire leasehold portfolio for Frank’s Nursery and Crafts, Inc.
Financial advisor to investor and developer, Ardmin Properties.
