Beyond Expectations
BY GAVIN MANLEY
For more than 100 years, Douglas Elliman Property Management (DEPM) has been providing exceptional service to co-ops, condos, and rental properties far and wide throughout the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Vicinity Magazine sat down with John Janangelo, DEPM’s Executive Managing Director to find out more.
What sets Douglas Elliman Property Management apart?
DEPM is one of the largest property management firms in the New York City area with a truly tailored approach to each building. DEPM operates like a boutique firm, but with the insight, expertise, and resources that only the support of a leading residential brokerage can provide. There is a certain cachet too, that comes from our affiliation with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. It’s something that resonates with building owners and residents alike who appreciate the brand’s luxury credentials.
Can you elaborate on what you mean by “a tailored approach”?
This means that we understand on an instinctual level that what works for one building, may not work for another. Every property has a unique personality as distinctive as the neighborhood in which it is located, and DEPM is highly skilled at creating the right ambiance for each building. It’s that intangible quality, that welcoming feeling that makes your apartment building feel like home. Additionally, beyond the resident experience, we have cemented our reputation as a firm that can manage and staff a wide variety of unique properties — from architectural masterpieces such as Rosario Candela’s 778 Park Avenue co-op building, to the amenity-rich modernity of the condominiums at One High Line — and everything in between.
To what extent does DEPM have a presence on the Upper East Side?
The Upper East Side of Manhattan has been our home for generations, and our footprint here is greater than that of any other property management firm. Douglas Elliman was founded in 1911 with a clear vision of what exceptional service looks like for the ultra- discerning residents of the city’s finest homes. Today, up and down Park Avenue and throughout Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, and Lenox Hill, we manage properties at some of the most exclusive addresses on the Upper East Side including, 1185 Park Avenue, 1035 Fifth Avenue, and 911 Park Avenue — to name but a few.
How does DEPM deliver exceptional service?
Our reputation within the industry allows us to consistently attract the most talented people to work at all levels within our organization. We only hire the best talent who understand that the essence of exceptional service is recognizing that it’s always evolving. Many of our people have been with DEPM for a long time, so they understand what is expected of them in terms of being attentive and anticipating needs before they even arise. From that good morning greeting that starts your day off on the right foot, to the warm ‘welcome home’ at the end of your day, our doormen are renowned for their famous hospitality.
“And we are constantly evaluating how we can do things better — always looking to streamline operations to enhance the experience for residents. Some examples include optimizing the approval process for co-op purchases and lease applications, developing user-friendly payment portals, strengthening communication between building managers, boards, and residents, and so much more.”
Tell us how DEPM manages capital projects and how it helps make the process as seamless as possible for residents?
Capital projects, particularly those involving landmark buildings, demand meticulous planning and project management skills. DEPM has a long history of successfully overseeing modifications and refinements to apartment buildings with rich historical and architectural significance. We work hand-in-hand with the building’s architect and engineer throughout the bidding process to ensure that any work performed by contractors is aligned with the vision of all parties, and the agreed specifications. Health and safety considerations, maintaining essential amenities, and even noise reduction are all critical factors when striking the balance between delivering exceptional service for residents, while still completing the project on time, and within budget.
Originally published in the Spring 2024 Issue
of VICINITY Magazine.