The Weekly Take from CBRE cover image

The Weekly Take from CBRE

All Star: Ray Washburne on cities, retail, restaurants, energy and more

Mar 10, 2025
Ray Washburne, an accomplished investor, shares his insights into the shifting trends in cities and retail. He discusses the critical role local restaurants play in shaping urban identity and how consumer behavior is bifurcating between luxury and value segments. Ray also highlights the growing demand for modern office amenities, while many older buildings face demolition due to high conversion costs. Urban revitalization is on the rise, yet he warns of economic caution with sticky inflation and consumer debt impacting future investments.
38:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Unique dining experiences from local restaurants are vital for attracting visitors and revitalizing city neighborhoods.
  • The office real estate market is shifting towards newer spaces with modern amenities as older buildings face demolition rather than conversion.

Deep dives

The Significance of Experience in Real Estate

Experience is becoming a crucial element in the real estate market, particularly in creating environments that motivate people to work in and visit. Quality office space should evoke excitement, not dread, which is increasingly important for attracting employees who are willing to pay for premium space. Successful real estate figures like Ray Washburn emphasize that a well-designed office can drive employee engagement and satisfaction, thus enhancing retention. This shift illustrates the evolving nature of the real estate market, where operational creativity and the addition of unique amenities are key to standing out in a competitive landscape.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner