UCI Graduate Student Team Wins NAIOP SoCal Orange County Real Estate Challenge

The University of California, Irvine graduate student team from the Paul Merage School of Business Center for Real Estate emerged victorious at the third annual NAIOP SoCal Orange County Real Estate Challenge. Competing against the Chapman University Argyros College of Business & Economics, the UCI team clinched the prestigious Orange Cup at the event held on April 17 at the Chapman University campus.

The challenge tasked the graduate student teams with determining the highest and best use for a unique parcel of land in Southern California, with this year’s competition site being the U.S. General Services Administration’s Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel. The 92-acre property, featuring the iconic pyramid-shaped Ziggurat building and various other facilities, presented a complex real estate scenario for the students to analyze.

UCI’s winning presentation, Pereira Place, paid homage to Ziggurat architect William Pereira and proposed a mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment uses for the site. The team, consisting of Ash Agarwal, Kevin Bommarito, Cameron Eaton, Ian Rosenberg, and Benjamin Zdeba, impressed the judges with their innovative approach and strategic vision.

The Chapman University team, comprised of Noah Alvarado, Grace Cavanaugh, Dylan Holt, Boris Malykin, and Kai Osaka, also showcased their talents and expertise in the competition, making it a tough battle for the top spot.

Industry professionals and real estate enthusiasts are invited to join the discussion on the latest trends and topics in the commercial real estate market at the upcoming Connect Los Angeles 2024 event on May 1. Register to attend and gain valuable insights from leading experts, network with industry peers, and participate in exclusive discussions at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown.