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Urban Conversions has managed to grab the limelight in USA Today, The Philadelphia Business Journal, Philadelphia Magazine, and a bunch of other publications that love to gush over them. Apparently, their knack for turning dilapidated buildings into upscale urban retreats is the hottest trend in real estate.

 

But the adoration doesn't stop there. Philadelphia YIMBY can't get enough of their mixed-use developments, and Hidden City Philadelphia is practically swooning over their adaptive reuse projects that preserve historic charm while adding some swanky new features.

 

Curbed Philly loves their creative approach to urban renewal, while the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Magazine thinks their adaptive reuse projects are the ultimate preservation chic, blending old and new seamlessly.

 

And if that’s not enough, Grid Magazine highlights how these projects contribute to the sustainable urban landscape. The Architect’s Newspaper and Bisnow Philadelphia give detailed coverage of their architectural prowess and real estate savvy.

 

Alon then hit the big time, getting featured on a national TV show about the future of dilapidated church buildings. PBS showcased his work as a “paragon example of responsible development.” That’s right, a paragon! Who knew making old buildings look fabulous could earn you such a fancy accolade? Watch the clip below and see what all the fuss is about. Spoiler alert: It’s pretty impressive.

 

Philadelphia Life Magazine even wrote a profile on Alon and his projects because, apparently, turning a dusty old carriage house into a stylish bachelor pad is the hottest new way to flex.

Tired of being the villain in every community’s story? Want to learn how to turn neighborhood skeptics into your biggest supporters? Then you need to book Alon for his game-changing speech, The Secret Formula: The Developer's Guide to Nailing Neighborhood Approvals.

 

Alon's engaging and humorous speech is based on his book, The Secret Formula: The Developer's Guide to Nailing Neighborhood Approvals, which serves as the ultimate antidote for developers facing community resistance. The cover humorously depicts a developer holding a science beaker filled with green liquid, ready to swallow the formula that will transform his fate. This isn’t just another dry lecture—it’s an entertaining masterclass filled with real-world tactics, witty anecdotes, and laugh-out-loud moments. Alon dives into the psychology of community resistance and reveals the exact formula to turn the tables on NIMBY’s “Not In My Backyard” opponents by transforming them into YIMBY’s “Yes In My Backyard” supporters.

 

Alon starts with a fascinating look at how developers became Hollywood's favorite villains and why that reputation is so sticky. He then explores the psychology behind community resistance with a humorous twist, showing how it’s often more about you than the project itself.

 

He emphasizes the importance of community research, likening it to navigating a minefield with a blindfold on—because guessing doesn’t count as research! Learn why controlling your narrative is crucial and how to do it before the opposition turns your project into a horror sequel. Discover how to unearth and mobilize hidden allies in the community and build relationships with local officials to pave the way for smoother approvals.

 

Alon teaches how to spot opposition early and turn potential conflicts into opportunities for constructive dialogue. Finally, Alon debunks the myth of overnight success and stresses the importance of showing genuine commitment to community values, beyond just the glitz and glam.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • The Evil Developer: An Origin Story: How developers became Hollywood's favorite punching bag and why that lousy reputation sticks like glue.

  • But Why Do They Hate Us So?: The psychology behind community resistance—spoiler: it’s not just about the projects.

  • It’s Not Them, It’s You: Reflecting on how our own actions can either fuel or fight public perception and understanding our role in perpetuating stereotypes.

  • Survey Says: The importance of community research and why skipping it is like playing Minesweeper blindfolded.

  • Who’s Who in the Zoo?: Identifying key community players before they become your biggest critics.

  • Frame Your Project, or Someone Else Will: Why it’s crucial to tell your story before the opposition writes a horror sequel.

  • Spin It to Win It: Strategies for framing your project to highlight benefits and minimize backlash.

  • Fan Club Formation: YIMBYs to the Rescue: How to identify and mobilize your hidden allies within the community.

  • Don’t Be a Stranger: Building relationships with local officials before your project hits their desks.

  • Recognizing and Countering Opposition: Identifying opposition early and learning their playbook.

  • Win-Win or Win-Lose?: Crafting proposals that appeal to both your interests and the community’s concerns.

  • Dress Rehearsal: Why preparation is key and how to avoid looking like a deer in headlights.

  • Diffusing Drama: Turning heated moments into opportunities for constructive dialogue.

  • Walking the Talk: Demonstrating integrity and commitment to community values beyond just words.

  • Overcoming the Myth of the Overnight Success: Breaking down the hard work and setbacks behind every “overnight” success.

  • More Than Your Name in Lights: Demonstrating genuine commitment to community improvement, not just personal glory.

  • Unpacking the Carpetbagger Developer Image: Changing the perception from an outsider only interested in profits to a committed community partner.

  • Changing the Verdict: Guilty Until Proven Innocent: How to shift public perception from suspicion to support.

  • Date, Don’t Dictate: How to court the community by building genuine, lasting relationships from day one.

As you immerse yourself in The Secret Formula: The Developer's Guide to Nailing Neighborhood Approvals, you'll be ready to swallow the antidote—an expertly crafted formula designed to neutralize community resistance. With each chapter, you'll ingest the insights and strategies needed to transform neighborhood skeptics into your strongest allies, ensuring your projects move forward with less friction and more support.

 

Meanwhile, if you ever wondered why real estate developers often get a bad rap? Blame it on Hollywood! A lot of the negative images people have about them come straight from the flickering screens of TV and movies. but it’s time to flip the script!


You can also check out one of Alon’s other books, In addition to one of Alon's other books, “Attack of the 50-Foot Developer “ which takes a hilarious deep dive into the cinematic culture that’s shaped these perceptions, exploring the tropes and archetypes of developers, architects, and neighborhood groups. To uncover the truth behind the stereotypes, hit the “The Attack of the 50-Foot Developer“ tab for even more insights!

Cell Phone Battery Running Low? … Buy the book!

 

No need to worry about battery life—this book never needs charging.

 

Are you tired of watching endless videos? Or maybe you just need a perfect gift for that special someone who's always ranting about evil developers, dreamy architects, and nosy neighbors?

 

Look no further! "Attack of the 50 Foot Developer" (The Book) is here to save the day!

 

Why Buy the Book?

  • Perfect Gift Material: Need a quirky gift for that friend who loves to debate urban planning at dinner parties? This book is the ultimate conversation starter. Plus, it's a surefire way to become the favorite person at any gift exchange.

  • Classroom Cred Booster: Trying to boost your credibility in class? This book provides you with quirky, insightful points. Plus, it’s perfect for taking notes and highlighting important information.

  • Video-Averse Solution: Not a fan of watching videos on the internet? We get it. Grab the book and enjoy all the juicy content without having to click 'play.' Perfect for those who prefer flipping pages over buffering screens.

What’s Inside?

  • Developers as Villains: Discover why Hollywood loves to turn real estate developers into the ultimate bad guys. Mustache-twirling and evil plotting included.

  • Architects as Heroes: Explore the strange phenomenon where architects are always the sexy, stubbled heroes saving the day with their blueprints and good looks.

  • Neighbors as the Chorus: Laugh at how nosy neighbors are always there to stir the pot, usually rallying against any change like it’s the end of the world.

  • Pop Culture Paradox: Understand how these portrayals influence public opinion and contribute to Not-In-My-Back-Yard (NIMBY) sentiments.

For the Full Scoop:

 

To dive deep into the hilarious and insightful breakdowns of how Hollywood loves to make developers the villains, architects the heroes, and neighbors the noisy chorus, refer to the YouTube channel tab. That's where Alon really goes to town dissecting every trope, evil grin, and outlandish scheme.

 

So, if reading is more your style, or you need that perfect quirky gift, get your hands on "Attack of the 50 Foot Developer." You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might just start seeing real estate developers, architects, and neighbors in a whole new light.

 

Get Your Copy Today:

Available for free download on Alon's YouTube channel, "Attack of the 50 Foot Developer," and right here on this webpage. Because, let’s face it, reading is cool too.

©2024 ALON BARZILAY
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRIVACY POLICY

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