For Immediate Release NAIOP SoCal Announces Winning Team for CapRock Cup Case Competition, Marking Capstone for 20th Anniversary CRE Class Southern California (August 04, 2026) - Now in its 20th year, the NAIOP SoCal Young Professionals Group (YPG) celebrated the completion of its latest class of industry professionals with its highly competitive CapRock Cup Case Competition. The competition is the capstone of each YPG class’s 12-month, 70-hour course designed to educate, develop, connect, and elevate the industry’s emerging commercial real estate leaders. This year, the five teams of seven YPG students were asked to develop and present a comprehensive investment and development strategy for the 95-acre Fairview Developmental Center (FDC) redevelopment site in Costa Mesa that responded to the city’s desire for a transformative, financially viable project that aligns with its long-term planning vision while maximizing the value of this highly strategic infill site. To claim the cup, the winning team’s proposal provided for the highest and best use of the property and presented a compelling, investment-grade development strategy. The winning YPG team was comprised of Elise Berberoglu, KBC Advisors; James Christian, Carson Companies; Chad Donohoe, PCCP, LLC; Corrina Grabis, Millie and Severson, Incorporated; Eric Parra, Nuveen Real Estate; and Emily Osgood, Allen Matkins, and Spencer Seibring, JLL. The team’s conceptual development proposal featured 700 townhomes, 1,950 market-rate rental apartments, and 1,235 affordable and senior housing units, along with 35,000 square feet of experiential retail space, and 14 acres of parks and green space. A primary consideration for the team was incorporating substantial walking, biking, and open space to minimize the need for autos and facilitate interaction for the multi-generational community. As Corrina Grabis, Director of Project Development, Millie and Severson, shared regarding the value of the program and competition, “It takes many different disciplines to move a commercial real estate project forward. YPG provides a real-life setting to become more familiar with how all the pieces connect. Throughout the past year, as I became friends with classmates in different parts of the industry, I expanded upon my architecture and business development background and grew to be a more well-rounded CRE professional.” Spencer Seibring, Director, JLL, added, “Joining YPG connected me with 34 incredible professionals and built relationships that will last a lifetime. The year-long program—from readings and assignments to our final case study—accelerated my leadership development and professional growth in ways that impact my work every day. I'm excited to stay involved with YPG and NAIOP and watch these connections continue to grow.” The students made their presentations to an esteemed judging panel that included: Louis Defino, Nuveen Real Estate and YPG Alumni; Zach Desper, Marq Logistics and YPG Alumni; Kevin Finnegan, Kurv Industrial and YPG Alumni; Jason Kenney, California Department of General Services; Carolina Paz, Paz Architects; and Jay Barkman, City of Costa Mesa. 2026 also marks the 20th anniversary for the award-winning YPG program created by NAIOP SoCal. As noted, the program offers instruction on critical components of the industry, personal and professional development coaching from MBA-level instructors, extensive networking and relationship-building activities, and guidance from executives through an intimate speaker series. Each year, 35 industry professionals are chosen through a highly competitive application process.
Over the years, YPG has emerged as a strong voice and valuable steppingstone for the next generation of commercial real estate professionals, as many of the approximately 700 YPG alumni have gone on to become senior-level executives and principals throughout the industry. About NAIOP SoCal: With over 1,200 members, NAIOP SoCal is the leading association representing commercial real estate in Southern California. Our mission is to provide advocacy, education, and networking opportunities that support the industry’s growth and success. With a focus on innovation and leadership, NAIOP SoCal is dedicated to shaping the future of commercial real estate in the region. Learn more at www.naiopsocal.org. |
