ULI PHL’s 5th Annual Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Awards for Excellence finalists represent superior development projects in the greater Philadelphia region that embody the ULI mission of pushing the standard of excellence in real estate and land use and creating sustainable, thriving communities.

Carl Dranoff, President and Founder of Dranoff Properties joins us for this week’s “Five Minutes with a Finalist”. Dranoff Properties has been recognized as a finalist for One Riverside. Here’s what he had to say:

Who has had the greatest influence on your career and what was the best advice he or she gave you?

Our beautiful skyline wouldn’t have been possible without Bill Rouse.  His bold vision and determination changed Philadelphia’s building height limits, which many thought impossible. He was equally accomplished as a civic leader/philanthropist as he was a businessman.  Most of all, he cared deeply for Philadelphia and left behind a great legacy in his company Liberty Property Trust, which has stayed true to his transformative vision all these years.

What are you most excited about in the Philadelphia area and region?

We are retaining a much higher percentage of our graduating students, exceeding Boston – 10 years ago that would have been unthinkable.  Our job growth has been positive and we have the formation of a high tech industry and tremendous innovation in our medical services.  The “green chutes” that are ready blossom here shows our enormous potential as a city that already has fantastic industry, green spaces, urban attractions and transportation.

As a ULI PHL Awards nominee, what makes you most proud of your project?

The sensitive use of our land, the retention of view sheds, the pedestrian-friendly green spaces as we reinforce the public gateway to the Schuylkill River Park – all speak to the mission of ULI and hopefully serve as an inspiration to others on the importance of good design and making positive contributions to the surrounding neighborhood and waterfront.