Hines partners with Wood Center to present the Real Estate Development Challenge

The Leonard W. Wood Center is excited to announce a new partnership with Hines. The developer will be partnering with the Wood Center to champion the 2023 Real Estate Development Challenge. 

Taking place annually in the spring semester, the Development Challenge is an invite-only case competition between 16 teams from the nation’s top MBA programs. In the first round, the 16 teams present to a panel of judges, before four teams are selected to move to the final round. The Challenge is hosted at Kenan-Flagler Business School. 

“Hines sees tremendous value in sponsoring Kenan-Flagler’s annual Real Estate Development Challenge,” said William Renner (MBA ’14), Managing Director at Hines. “UNC has always been a target school for our recruiting efforts and the added benefit of meeting high-achieving students from additional top real estate programs provides for a unique recruiting and sponsorship dynamic. We look forward to hearing unique ideas and strategies from case participants.”

Through the generosity of Hines, all teams will be hosted locally for the two nights of the competition at no cost to team members or their school. Additionally, Hines’ gift has allowed the Wood Center to up the stakes for winners. Now, the first place team will receive $15,000, $7,500 for second place and $3,750 for the two third place winners. 

Jim Spaeth, Executive Director of the Wood Center, is excited at the opportunities presented by this partnership. 

“The Wood Center is thrilled to be partnering with Hines to deliver our signature UNC Real Estate Development Challenge case competition this year,” said Spaeth. “As a best-in-class developer with a global footprint, Hines brings a unique perspective that will enhance our case offering and the student experience. We’re thankful to our friends at Hines for deepening their relationship with our program via this exclusive sponsorship and look forward to a fantastic competition in February.”

The 2023 Real Estate Development Challenge will be held February 24, 2023.