November 18th, 2025
8:30am - 10:30am
Kohn Pedersen Fox
11 West 42nd Street 7th floor, New York, NY 10036, USA
Alfred C. Cerullo III is President and CEO of Grand Central Partnership, one of the world’s largest business improvement districts. He is also a Commissioner of the NYC Planning Commission. Fred served in numerous elected and appointed positions throughout his career, beginning as Legal Counsel to the Minority Leader of the NYC Council. He later became one of the youngest ever City Council Members and City Commissioners leading the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Finance.
Andrew Levin is the Senior Vice President of Leasing in the New York Region at Boston Properties. He is head of the leasing team responsible for an over 10 million square-foot, 10 building portfolio and is active in generating new business opportunities as part of the leadership of the New York office of BXP. He joined the company in May 1996 and began his career in the real estate industry with the Edward S. Gordon Company consulting group. Mr. Levin holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Boston University’s School of Management.
Robert Schiffer is an Executive Vice President of Development in the Investments Group and has been with SL Green since 2004. Mr. Schiffer is responsible for the development of One Vanderbilt and One Madison, SL Green’s signature transformational office developments. He is also responsible for executive management of the Summit as well as new development opportunities for the company.
Madelyn Wils is a visionary leader in urban development, nonprofit management, and public-private partnerships, currently serving as CEO of the Fifth Avenue Association, where she’s leading the historic “Future of Fifth” redesign. She also chairs the Building Committee for The Joyce Theater Foundation, spearheading the creation of NYC’s largest subsidized dance rehearsal space. As former President and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, she oversaw over $1 billion in capital projects, including Little Island, and launched key sustainability initiatives.
Join us for a conversation with Fred Cerullo, Andy Levin, Rob Schiffer and Madelyn Wils on how public spaces can drive economic growth and energize Midtown East.
The public realm is a vital engine for growth. Well-designed and well-maintained public spaces encourage visitors and workers to stay and help the neighborhood thrive. As New York City reimagines its business districts for the 21st century, Midtown East is becoming a showcase for major investments along Fifth and Park Avenues to draw workers and foot traffic back to the city’s core.
We’ll hear from Fred Cerullo, Andy Levin, Rob Schiffer, and Madelyn Wils on the future of Midtown East and invite members to participate in a lively discussion on strategies to reenergize Manhattan’s core.
How can well-designed public spaces drive economic growth and strengthen neighborhoods across the city?
Guest & Accessibility Policies
This event is open to Urban Design Forum members and one guest.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully.
- This venue is ADA accessible. There will be microphones and speakers
- If you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Face masks are encouraged, particularly if you have been recently exposed to colds, flus, or other illness. If you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days, a high-quality, well-fitting face covering is required at all times.
- Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances to accommodate guests with allergies or environmental sensitivities.
If you have additional needs, we will do our best to accommodate. Please contact rsvp@urbandesignforum.org.
Continuing Education
This event has been approved for 1 AIA CES LU.
About Public Works
Public Works is a discussion series to drive civic dialogue around new and forthcoming built environment projects in New York City. Throughout the year, we invite government officials and private sector leaders to present design and development initiatives that shape the public good. Our goal is to create an open and collegial venue for deeper conversation between the public sector and our network of civic leaders building, caring for, and maintaining our city.
Support Our Work
Public Works is made possible through the support of our Board of Directors, Director’s Circle, Company Members, and our Campaign for Courageous Leadership, and company and individual members. Our programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
To learn more about supporting Public Works, please contact Miranda Bellizia, miranda@urbandesignforum.org.
Image credit: Petr Kratochvil
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