I. Kidder Mathews at the Nexus of Transformation

The 2025 Counselors of Real Estate (CRE®) Annual Convention in Detroit, themed “The Rise of the Phoenix,” highlighted the industry’s focus on resilience and adaptive strategies.

Kidder Mathews (KM) sent senior leaders to gather and share key industry insights. The delegation included four Counselor of Real Estate “CRE®” members: Daniel Boring CRE® MAI ARA ASA, Robert E. Dietrich, CRE® MAI, Herb Grabell, CRE® SIOR, and Matthew VanEck, CRE® MAI.

The Counselor of Real Estate (CRE®) is an invitation-only designation from the Counselors of Real Estate, affiliated with the National Association of Realtors. It recognizes highly trusted advisors known for integrity and expertise, who consult on complex real estate decisions.

Detroit was selected for its strategic importance and as a case study in adaptive reuse and urban growth, making it valuable for Commercial Real Estate professionals. Mr. Boring’s initial assessment confirmed the vital, cross-disciplinary nature of contemporary real estate advising: “Detroit’s vibrancy was evident both in appearance and ideas. Discussions showed that addressing complex value challenges today calls for multidisciplinary input—mixing finance, urban planning, and policy expertise—which is CRE®’s mission.”

II. Detroit: Insights on Growth and Creating Spaces

The 2025 convention opened with an overview of Detroit’s urban renewal, highlighting private investment and public placemaking.

Beyond the Skyline Keynote

Jared Fleisher, the newly appointed President of Bedrock Detroit, delivered the “Welcome to Detroit! Opening Remarks” keynote on Monday morning, sharing a high-level strategic overview of the firm’s future direction. Mr. Fleisher, who is slated to become Bedrock’s Chief Executive Officer in 2026, articulated a vision underpinned by “transformational development, culture and operational excellence”.

Bedrock is a leading real estate firm driving urban redevelopment in Detroit and Cleveland. As part of Dan Gilbert’s ROCK family of companies, Bedrock has played a key role in revitalizing downtown Detroit.

He detailed Bedrock’s next frontiers for development, which are designed to integrate economic drivers across multiple sectors. These strategic areas include the burgeoning Entertainment District located at Cadillac Square, the Focused Innovation District planned for the Gratiot Site, and the ongoing, large-scale developments along the Detroit and Cleveland riverfronts. This comprehensive approach, which integrates cultural and entertainment assets with high-tech innovation campuses and critical infrastructure, is fundamentally designed to reduce perceived portfolio risk. For the finance world, this diversification across asset classes within a single master plan is viewed as a significant mitigating factor against the risk associated with urban cores reliant on a single economic pillar.

Beyond the Skyline: Culture, Capital and Community

This foundational session immediately followed the Bedrock keynote, shifting the focus from private strategy to communal impact. Moderated by Sharon Madison, CRE®, the panel featured high-level municipal and non-profit leaders, including Anika Gors Foster (Detroit Future City), Erie Larson (Downtown Detroit Partnership), and Tony Michaels (The Parade Company).

The discussion highlighted how intentional placemaking, community planning, and investment in cultural institutions shape Detroit’s identity and economic strength. It formalized the idea that supporting non-profits and community infrastructure stabilizes the economy, leading to long-term tenant appeal and civic resilience—key for commercial real estate investors in emerging markets.

Daniel Boring, CRE®, emphasized that local narratives greatly influence global investment choices: “Seeing Bedrock’s major projects and hearing DDP’s long-term plans showed that premium capital follows strong leadership connecting physical assets with civic pride. This approach reduces risk and increases asset value.”

Much of the convention focused on macro-economic analysis, giving real estate, finance, and legal professionals key tools for assessing risk and managing capital in uncertain times.

This high-profile session was moderated by James Costello, CRE®, Chief Economist at MSCI Real Assets. The panel of recognized economists included Joshua Harris, Ph.D., CRE® (Fordham Real Estate Institute), Doug Poutasse, CRE® (Tristan Capital Partners), Hugh Kelly, Ph.D., CRE® Emeritus, and Sara Rutledge, CRE® (SAR Consulting).

Experts provided a thorough analysis of macro-economic trends, focusing on the potential effects of a “Trump 2.0” administration, likely fiscal and monetary policy changes, and recession risk. They noted that possible tax cuts and deregulation could boost corporate profits and consumer spending in real estate, but warned that tariffs may drive up inflation and interest rates, challenging monetary policy and economic growth. This trade-off between higher corporate cash flow and rising inflation is central to today’s investment environment.

Finance experts agree that, despite global volatility, institutional capital is returning to the market. Commercial real estate remains an appealing inflation hedge, with improved conditions for advanced buyers thanks to wider cap rates and steady NOI.

Real Estate 2050: Forecasting the Future of Property

This futurist session provided a vital long-term perspective on portfolio resilience. Featured Speaker Alice Charles, Global Leader Strategic Partnerships & Director Cities, Planning & Design at Arup, shared her extensive experience in urban planning and future real estate trends.

Ms. Charles’s presentation examined how city planning, construction methods, transportation trends, energy management, and climate change will impact property values and viability in the coming decades. This perspective encourages CRE® advisors to move from short-term cash flow analysis to long-term risk modeling. The key takeaway is that properties not updated for future climate and energy requirements will likely become obsolete more quickly, making it crucial to reassess capital spending on retrofits, sustainability measures, and adaptive reuse now to reduce future risks.

While market volatility isn’t slowing capital deployment, it is increasing the need for clear, objective advice. Investors want guidance on navigating policy changes and structuring deals to manage risks like tariffs and climate concerns, including long-term planning.

III. Connectivity, Technology, and the Game-Changer City

The convention addressed how the convergence of technology, logistics, and lifestyle anchors is fundamentally reshaping urban investment strategy, particularly in Detroit. It was also shared Detroit is a model for other U.S. cities, a major theme throughout the conference.

Trade, Supply Chains & Technology - Driving Global Connectivity: Auto Industry Insights

This panel featured experts dedicated to the future of transportation and manufacturing, including Scott Shireman (U-M Center for Innovation), Tim Slusser (Detroit Mobility & Innovation), and John Moavenzadeh (MIT Mobility Initiative).

Detroit’s automotive sector is rapidly evolving, driving changes in industrial real estate demand. Domestic manufacturing is increasing due to geopolitical factors, while electrification and software-defined vehicles are reshaping supply chains and requiring specialized facilities for research, automation, and complex assembly. The University of Michigan Center for Innovation highlights this strategic shift by connecting academic research with industry needs. General Motors now positions itself as a mobility and technology-focused multinational.

Ford Motor Company now describes itself as a “Global Company” based in Dearborn, Michigan, with a purpose-statement of “to help build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.” Their strategy, “Ford+,” emphasizes combining their existing automotive strengths (trucks, SUVs, etc.) with new capabilities like electric vehicles (EVs), software, connected services, and mobility solutions.

Game-Changer Cities: Transforming Urban Landscapes Through Sports

Focusing on catalytic urban anchors, this session explored the power of major sporting events and facilities to transform city centers. Panelists included Matthew Rossetti, Chief Architect at ROSSETTI, and Stefan Stration, Senior Vice President of Development for Olympia Development.

Olympia Development, owned by the Ilitch family, leads the District Detroit plan anchored by Little Caesars Arena. The project demonstrates how a sports-focused public-private partnership can drive major neighborhood redevelopment. Connecting the entertainment district with the U-M Center for Innovation merges cultural and academic strengths to create steady, diverse demand and promote sustainable real estate growth.

IV. Kidder Mathews’ Engagement: Leadership and Local Immersion

Kidder Mathews’ strategic delegation included geographic and technical expertise, allowing the firm to apply Detroit’s experiences as strategies for potential growth in various US markets. Conference tours provided attendees with opportunities to gain further knowledge about Detroit.

Downtown Detroit Immersion: History and Hospitality

Attendees at the convention were able to participate in development tours focused on Detroit’s central area. Daniel Boring, CRE®, joined the downtown tour, which featured visits to the Fox Theatre and Comerica Park.

The Fox Theatre, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, is a preserved example of historic architecture. Designed by C. Howard Crane in 1928, the Detroit building displays an Oriental architectural style that incorporates Egyptian, Far Eastern, and Indian elements. The structure closely resembles another theater built in St. Louis, but differs from the Atlanta Fox Theatre, which is known for its Moorish architectural features.

In 1987, the Ilitch family acquired the Detroit Fox and carried out an 18-month, $12 million restoration to restore the venue to its original condition, reflecting efforts in Detroit to maintain its cultural landmarks.

The tour progressed to Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, where the delegation visited the exclusive Priority Club. This VIP area offers an elevated level of corporate hospitality, including private entrance, designated VIP parking, and a refined, climate-controlled club space that integrates Detroit’s historical heritage with contemporary luxury amenities.

Ford Field, home to the Detroit Lions, is located adjacent to this site, contributing to the downtown Detroit area. Before Ford Field was constructed, the location was mainly occupied by the former Hudsons warehouse, which was a part of the J.L. Hudson Company, previously one of the world’s largest department stores and a significant fixture in downtown Detroit.

This experience served as a compelling illustration of Detroit’s strategic renaissance model. The city effectively utilizes its valuable historic architecture, such as the Fox Theatre, which highlights preservation and cultural significance, alongside modern corporate anchors like the Comerica VIP Club, representing sports and premium hospitality. These assets collectively increase downtown foot traffic and client engagement, advancing the market from speculative growth toward validated, sustainable investment.

Mr. Boring summarized: “The scale of the Fox Theatre and the design of Comerica Park’s Priority Club reflect Detroit’s approach to combining historical elements with contemporary commercial hospitality. For my clients, this degree of preservation and investment indicates long-term potential for the downtown market, suggesting a transition from speculative interest to more sustainable development.”

Strategic Networking and The Path Forward

Beyond the technical sessions and local tours, the convention offered essential networking opportunities designed to align the Kidder Mathews team with the future leadership of the CRE® organization.

Connecting with CRE® Leadership

Three employees from Kidder Mathews had their photograph taken with John J. Baczewski, CRE®, who serves as First Vice Chair and is the incoming Chair of The Counselors of Real Estate. Mr. Baczewski is the founder of Real Estate Fiduciary Services, LLC, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with expertise in pension real estate issues.

This interaction demonstrates Kidder Mathews’ respected position in the CRE® industry and alignment with its leadership’s ethical standards. It also affirms KM’s dedication to providing objective, ethical advice to professionals in real estate, finance, and fiduciary fields.

Future Destinations for Thought Leadership

The Counselors of Real Estate organization has announced Dallas, TX, and Miami, FL as the respective host cities for its 2026 and 2027 Annual Conventions, underscoring a strategic emphasis on high-growth, complex United States markets.

By selecting these major Sunbelt locations, CRE® highlights environments distinguished by substantial corporate relocations, notable population growth, and robust international investment activity. This approach affirms that future advisory opportunities will increasingly arise in these vibrant markets, aligning closely with Kidder Mathews’ expertise at the national level.

V. Concluding Thoughts

The Counselors of Real Estate Annual Convention 2025 in Detroit offered valuable insights for addressing current challenges in US commercial real estate. Key topics included urban transformation strategies, macro-economic forecasts, and future risk planning. Kidder Mathews’ delegation highlights its dedication to informed, comprehensive advice. The main takeaway: long-term value in commercial real estate will depend on integrating cultural trends, capital, climate risks, and supply chain needs. Aligning with CRE® leadership and focusing on emerging markets like Dallas and Miami positions Kidder Mathews as a leader in strategic counsel.