The case for pension plan and university endowment equity investment in brownfields in the urban core of major metropolitan areas

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to present a case for institutional equity investment in brownfields in the urban core of major metropolitan areas. Pension plans and university endowments are the primary institutional investors focused on in the study, due to the implied obligation to seek economic and social returns associated with their investments. The thesis will discuss primary forces that have historically limited institutional investment in brownfields in urban core communities as well as recent demographic and market trends in brownfield redevelopment and institutional equity investment in real estate. The thesis will include an analysis of two case studies, and implications for future trends in institutional equity investment in underserved communities in the urban core of major metropolitan areas.