May 2025 YM/WREA Luncheon: The Future of Fifth Avenue Panel

We are pleased to announce that the May 2025 Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 13^th from 12pm – 2pm at the University Club. The luncheon will feature a distinguished panel conversation on the Future of Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s most iconic commercial corridors. Join us for an insightful dialogue around urban transformation, real estate investment, and the cultural future of New York City.

This special discussion will be moderated by Dana Rubinstein, reporter at The New York Times, who covers NYC government and the institutions that shape its future.

Panelists:

• Madelyn Wils – CEO, Fifth Avenue Association
  Leading the “Future of Fifth” initiative—a historic redesign project supported by the City of New York—Madelyn brings unmatched experience from roles at Hudson River Park Trust, NYCEDC, and the Tribeca Film Institute.
• Vishaan Chakrabarti – Founder & Creative Director, PAU
  Globally recognized urbanist, former NYC planner, and author, Vishaan brings decades of design and civic planning experience to the conversation.
• Ian Klein – Head of Development, Rabina
  With deep public-private sector experience, Ian leads Rabina’s development activities and directs all aspects of project execution. Ian is also a professor at the University of Virginia School of Architecture.

Discussion Topics:

• The transformation of Fifth Avenue’s public realm
• Aligning investment strategy with cultural and urban value
• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure and design
• Case studies from global urban revitalization efforts

The Invocation will be given by Mitch Arkin, Former Chairman of YM/WREA in 1999.

Details:

• When: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, 12pm – 2pm
• Where: University Club (1 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019)

Please note, ties are “recommended but not required” for men. The University Club requires business professional attire for all, including dress shoes (no sneakers or athletic-looking soles).

All are welcome to the event. Cost is included for Members in annual dues. Guest fees are $100.00 per person, payable by credit card or check at the door. Active applicants, please inquire about the discounted fee.

Not yet a member? You can create an account at the bottom of the RSVP page by clicking “Register as a guest,” and then proceed with your RSVP.

Please RSVP using the link above. If you or a guest plan on paying the guest fee, you’re welcome to pay in advance to expedite check-in at the door.

We look forward to welcoming you for a timely discussion on New York’s most high-profile corridor redesign and its broader impact on the built environment.