Atlanta Real Estate Icon Hal Barry speaks at ULI Luncheon Series

Jan. 12, 2010 - PRLog -- ATLANTA - ULI Atlanta’s Luncheon Series kicked off the New Year in fine fashion on January 6 with outspoken Atlanta real estate legend, Hal Barry of Barry Real Estate Companies. Barry, who is responsible for landmark real estate developments including Cumberland Mall, Peachtree Plaza, The Apparel Mart and Monarch Plaza, spoke to a crowd of more than 100 at Sutherland about numerous topics including the future of the entrepreneur in real estate, the Atlanta real estate market, real estate pitfalls as well as the success he has been able to achieve throughout his career in the industry

Barry, who founded Barry Real Estate Companies in 1995 with partner Chris Schoen, has been responsible for the development of over $3 million rental square feet (RSF) of office space in southeastern markets. With clients such as IBM, General Electric Company, Nike and Southern Company, Barry said he was able to achieve success by meeting the needs of his anchor tenants while offering cost efficient space in exceptional class A space. While the past has been bright for Barry and many in real estate, the future he said remains in question.

“Every year we take a look at the year ahead, but I have no idea where 2010 is going to take us,” said Barry.  “I don’t think anyone saw this coming in 2007. It was caused by real estate overbuilding, sub prime credit and the lack of liquidity in the market. It has definitely been an interesting ride.”

Barry went on to discuss the future of the entrepreneur and the pitfalls that await them.

“The future of the entrepreneur in real estate is in question and I didn’t think I would ever say that. The government needs to stay out of the way. The playing field has really changed.”

While many real estate markets including Atlanta are suffering, Barry pointed out that Atlanta
can learn from a market like Nashville, whose economic development team has continued to be aggressive marketing their city, despite the state of the economy.

“Atlanta is sitting on its hands and feet and just not getting it done,” he said. “Nashville is attracting a lot of business. They have a “can do” attitude of getting things done that is really amazing. Nashville is still small enough…they have Vanderbilt, a music scene and entertainment…that is really good. They have also been able to attract the auto industry.”

Barry closed by offering life lessons and advice he would provide to anyone looking to navigate the rough and tumble world of real estate and where it currently stands.

“This was rough and is still rough,” he said. “Do not be afraid of hard work and giving it 100-percent,” he said. “There is no substitute for hard work and doing things you like to do. Churchill was right. We will never quit. If you are going to succeed, you have to keep going when things are tough.”

As a district council of the Urban Land Institute, ULI Atlanta advances responsible land use policy and real estate development practice throughout greater Atlanta. The nonprofit group is supported by its members.  They examine land use issues, impartially report their findings and convene forums to find solutions to complex land use problems. This year promises to be very exciting.

"ULI is planning an ambitious Leadership Luncheon series for 2010,” said ULI Atlanta Executive Director, Jeff DuFrense. Upcoming spring luncheons will include intimate conversations with with leaders like John Dewberry, Ellen Dunham-Jones, and Marjy Stagmeier."

For more information on ULI Atlanta and its upcoming events call 770-951-8500 or visit http://www.ULIatlanta.org.