Citybiz Interview with John Petras, Managing Principal at RockFarmer Properties

Since the inception of RockFarmer Properties in 2006, Petras has been directly responsible for the acquisition, financing, strategic development, construction and renovation of more than 2 million square feet of multifamily, office and retail properties representing a total value of more than $2B.

With a focus on creating truly transformative properties, Petras is a firm believer in forming strategic, longstanding and collaborative relationships with key market participants, including lenders, owners, operators and investors. To date, RockFarmer has raised more than $500 million through its various investment funds and developments.

A Queens native, Petras began his career in fashion and merchandising. In 1986, he founded Alexis & Gianni Retail, a highly successful retailer and manufacturer of luxury outerwear. From the onset, Petras had his eye on real estate, purchasing a number/variety of investment properties throughout the 90s and early 2000s before selling his business in 2006 to pursue real estate full time.

Petras serves as Managing Principal of Douglaston Realty Management Corp., RockFarmer Properties’ property management affiliate. Petras is a graduate of Long Island University/CW Post and NYU, where he holds a BS in Accounting and an MS in Finance, respectively.

Interview questions:

Introduction | Please provide an introduction to RockFarmer Properties – focus, types of developments and redevelopments, footprint

Recent Deals | Can you highlight some recent acquisitions and divestitures?

Redevelopments |RockFarmer Properties is also focused on modernizing pre-war properties. What are some of your redevelopment projects? (Astoria Lights)

Office Buildings |Please tell us about your office buildings. (Heritage Tower)

New Markets | John, I see you’ve been exploring transactions outside the NYC metro area to the Sun Belt States, tell me about that…

Latest Transaction| Tell me a little more about your latest transactions in Austin and Dallas.

Property Management | RockFarmer Properties’ property management division is called Douglaston Realty Management Corp. How many properties are managed? What types of buildings?

Opportunity Fund | John, I’ve heard RockFarmer just launched a new opportunity fund—your fifth—can you tell us more about that?

Future | What are you really excited about going forward?

Connect with John on LinkedIn

George Michelis and John Petras, Managing Principals of RockFarmer Properties

98 Fifty and Apex, two adjacent gated garden – style multifamily rental communities in Dallas, Texas

The Centrale, a contemporary condominium development i n White Plains , NY, which RockFarmer successfully sold out just six weeks

The Rowan, a six-story luxury ground up condominium development designed by DXA Studios in Astoria, Queens

SoNA Apartment Homes, a 164 – residence garden – style multifamily development in Austin, Tx


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