New York-based media and information services company Commercial Observer has officially launched in Dallas-Fort Worth, marking the fifth national market the company has entered.

Commercial Observer, which informs and connects leaders in the commercial real estate industry, also has a presence in New York City, South Florida, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Its Dallas market entry includes new products, services, events, and select editorial coverage of what the company considers a critical real estate market.

“The market has evolved, and many real estate firms have expanded into new markets,” said James R. Freiman, CEO of Observer Media, in a statement. “As the leading real estate platform, it’s our mission to deliver information, news and exclusive networking opportunities that support the industry’s growth across key markets. Dallas remains one of the hottest markets in the U.S., and one ripe with opportunity.”

The company noted that Dallas has a “bustling economy” and a diverse range of growing industries, including energy, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, financial services, and defense, which have benefited from company relocations and new jobs.

According to Commercial Observer, DFW’s robust economy is contributing to its growing population and attracting the interest of the commercial real estate industry.

Launch forum and first Dallas issue

The publication launched into North Texas last month with a sold-out Dallas Real Estate Investment Forum held at The Tower Club, Commercial Observer said.

The event gathered over 200 executive and C-suite real estate owners, developers, investors, lenders, and brokers for expert-led programming. Highlights of the event included keynote discussions from Christopher Ludeman, global president of capital markets at CBRE, and Ben Brewer, senior managing director at Hines, as well as panel discussions delivered by executives from leading firms such as PGIM, ACORE Capital, Affinius Capital, Trammell Crow Company, BankUnited and Nuveen Green Capital, among others.

“Dallas is a resilient market, and that’s reflected in its growing population. Growth is fostered here, and we’re thrilled that Commercial Observer is offering ways to connect senior leaders in the market,” Tony Fineman, senior managing director and head of originations at ACORE Capital, said. Fineman joined the forum to discuss ACORE’s bullish stance on lending in Dallas.

During the forum, Sondra Wenger, senior managing director and head of commercial real estate for the Americas at CBRE Investment Management, said that her team conducted an investor intention survey with over 100 U.S. investors. Wenger said that “Dallas was ranked number one in terms of places where investors want to invest.”

Following up on its inaugural Dallas event, Commercial Observer published its first Dallas issue, with Adam Saphier, president of Texas, Trammell Crow Co., on the cover. In the interview, Saphier explains why Texas is better positioned for real estate growth than some of even the most popular, “red hot” U.S. markets, Commercial Observer said.

Commercial Observer said it plans to host future programs and events, and to showcase Dallas real estate deals, developments, and executives through its award-winning editorial coverage.

In April, Commercial Observer published an article praising Dallas and its place among the nation’s strong real estate markets.

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