Team
Robert “Bobby” Cayre founded Aurora Capital Associates, real estate development and investment firm, in 2001. Under his strategic leadership the New York-based firm has developed a robust national focus, investing in prime commercial assets throughout New York City and in other top US markets and gateway cities. Through Cayre’s direction, Aurora has adopted an unique value-add business model that leverages underperforming assets by repositioning them through large-scale renovations with the intent of integrating national retail brands and marquis office tenants.
In addition to its real estate holdings and other privately held investments, the Cayre family has been extensively engaged in a diverse range of businesses including entertainment, apparel, licensing and finance. Dating back to the early 1970’s, the family owned and operated a number of different entertainment companies, including Sal Soul Records, Good Times Home Video and Good Times Entertainment (GTE). In 1996, the family spun off Good Times Interactive Software (GTIS) from GTE and took GTIS public with an initial market capitalization of approximately $2 billion. The remainder of GTE was sold to Quadrangle in 2003.
Jared Epstein serves as President at Aurora Capital Associates, which he joined in 2007. He has been instrumental in establishing Aurora as one of the largest owners and most active developers in New York City’s downtown Manhattan market, having completed over $2.5 billion in transactions during his tenure.
Through Epstein’s thoughtful guidance and creative vision, he has been integral to establishing the firm’s deep presence in the City’s Meatpacking District and has helped pave the way for the neighborhood’s revitalization and transformation. Through his leadership Aurora has become the largest landlord in the Meatpacking District besides Google.
Epstein’s most notable transactions include both acquisitions and leases in New York City’s SoHo, West Village and Meatpacking District neighborhoods, several of which were nominees for REBNY’s Deal of the Year including one that was selected as The Real Deal’s Retail Deal of the Year.
Epstein was recognized by Crain’s New York as one of its 40 Under 40, by Globe Street as a Retail Influencer, and by Real Estate Forum as an Emerging Leader in Retail. He received the Transformation of a Neighborhood Red Award from Property Shark, numerous Power Broker Awards from CoStar, and the Community Builder Award from Sag Harbor’s Center for Jewish Life.
He is a founding member of the board of the Meatpacking Improvement Association and Business Improvement District (BID); a founding member of the Board of the SoHo Broadway BID; a member of the board of the 34th Street Partnership; and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Jonathan Boon is Aurora Capital Associates’ Chief Financial Officer. As Aurora’s lead financial officer and advisor, Boon manages all financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, tax and oversight of all accounting department operations at the firm.
Prior to joining Aurora, Boon oversaw all financial operations at GT Entertainment Group. In addition to his work with GT Entertainmentment, Boon has also worked with notable financial services firms including DDK & Company LLP and Grant Thornton.
He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Matthew Abreu is Aurora Capital Associates’ Vice President of Development, where he oversees all aspects of the development process for the company’s growing portfolio. He manages all planning, design and construction processes as well as provides integral support to the larger team on potential acquisition opportunities; retail and office leasing endeavors; and the repositioning and financing of existing assets within Aurora’s portfolio.
Prior to joining Aurora, Abreu served as senior associate to Massey Knakal Realty Services, which was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield in 2015.
Abreu graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
Brian Feldman is Executive Vice President of Acquisitions at Aurora Capital Associates, where he is focused on business development and evaluating, structuring, and executing investments across the capital stack.
Prior to joining Aurora, Feldman spent over seven years at Vornado Realty Trust where he was a Vice President in the Acquisitions & Capital Markets group. There, he played a key role in executing over $12 billion in transactions, including the $5.6 billion recap of its High Street Retail portfolio. He also managed Vornado’s multifamily business and led private investment activities in urban infrastructure and real estate technology. Brian began his career at AllianceBernstein on the Commercial Real Estate Debt Team, where he helped originate over $900 million in bridge loans for various transitional assets across the US.
Feldman received his Bachelor of Science in Finance & Philosophy from Cornell University and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Finance & Development from Georgetown University.
Alex Ravera is Aurora Capital Associates’ Director of Development and Asset Management. Alex splits his time overseeing the firm’s development pipeline and construction activities, and helps manage the firm’s existing portfolio.
Prior to joining Aurora, he was VP of Development at Arris Properties, where he managed the firm’s development activities, focusing on entitlements, zoning, design, and constructability of $2.0b in projects throughout NYC. He was previously at the Greenwich Group International, where he ran the asset management arm of the firm’s family office and supported the capital raise and advisory teams. Alex started his career with the Think Hotel Groupwhere he successfully launched the company’s first hotel in Miami.
Alex holds a BS in Economics and a BBA in Marketing Management from Pace University in New York City.
Charbel S. Eid is Aurora Capital Associates’ Director of Development and Acquisitions. Eid assists with all aspects of the development process for Aurora’s consistently expanding, nationally-focused portfolio. His responsibilities include underwriting new development deals, acquisition due diligence, design and construction monitoring, and project branding, sales and marketing.
Prior to joining Aurora, Eid worked with Dovetail + Co., serving as an analyst for the firm, as well as a construction manager for Gilbane Building Company and Rockpoint Group, where he oversaw a number of high profile projects such as Aman New York and 413 W 14th Street/412 W 15th Street. Early in his career, Eid also garnered architectural experience as an architectural designer at Mancini Duffy.
Eid received his Masters of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute in New York City.
Jake Bank is Aurora Capital Associates’ Director of Leasing and Acquisitions, where he helps spearhead all leasing endeavors and acquisition transactions across the company’s national portfolio.
Bank was recognized by Commercial Observer as one of its 30 Under 30 for his real estate achievements. Prior to joining Aurora, Bank cut his teeth working with Dacra & L Catterton in South Florida on the development of the Miami Design District. Bank started his career as a financial analyst at Vornado Realty Trust, where he supported a number of the firm’s Manhattan-based assets, including the redevelopment of the Penn District and revitalization of Farley Post Office into Moynihan Train Hall.
Bank graduated Cum Laude from Connecticut College, where he was a member of the Lacrosse Team and Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society.
Stanley A. Cayre is an Associate at Aurora Capital Associates. In this role he assists with all aspects of asset management for the firm’s extensive portfolio of properties in New York City and Miami. His responsibilities include budgeting and reforecasting in coordination with property management, and managing relationships with vendors, third parties, and tenants.
Cayre graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate.