FLB Law's Ninth Annual Real Estate Outlook Explores the Intersection of Arts and Real Estate
Panel Discussion Moderated by 06880 Founder Dan Woog
Westport, Conn. (Oct. 29, 2026) — FLB Law’s ninth annual Real Estate Outlook, set for Nov. 17 at The SoNo Collection in Norwalk, will explore how the arts give select Fairfield County properties a second life while enriching community culture, attracting foot traffic and increasing real estate values.
The program, “Second Acts: Real Estate and the Arts in Fairfield County,” begins at 8 a.m. and brings together leaders of The Norwalk Art Space, The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, the Levitt Pavilion and Manresa Island Corp. FLB Law is hosting the event in partnership with the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Panelists will discuss the artistic uses of these unique properties and why they matter to the real estate market, local businesses and community members.
Dan Woog, founder and publisher of the Westport community blog 06880, will moderate the panel, which includes:
- Eric D. Bernheim, Managing Partner, FLB Law
- Darcy Hicks, Director of Education, The Norwalk Art Space
- Danny Loftus George, President, The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts
- Jessica Vonashek, Executive Director, Manresa Island Corp.
- Carleigh Welsh, Vice President and Executive Producer, The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
“Some of the strongest cultural assets in Fairfield County exist because of a creative vision for the property,” said Bernheim, who founded the Real Estate Outlook in 2017. “Arts organizations add real value to the real estate and communities around them.”
Bernheim, whose clients include developers, landlords, restaurant groups and property owners, said the topic is also a personal one. “My family has been shaped by the arts here, from visits to the Art Space to concerts at the Levitt to shows at the Norwalk Conservatory,” he said. “We need these spaces now more than ever not only to protect and preserve the arts but also to offer engaging, tech-free community connection.”
According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study by Americans for the Arts, nonprofit arts and culture generated nearly $1 billion in economic activity in Connecticut, including roughly $606 million spent by organizations and about $348 million in event-related spending by audiences on dining, parking and lodging. The panel will share insights on what this activity means for neighboring retail, restaurant and mixed-use owners, and how communities can support the arts.
Learn more about the Ninth Annual Real Estate Outlook and register here.
About FLB Law, PLLC
FLB Law, PLLC is a full-service firm dedicated to providing clients with peace of mind. Many of its attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers and have earned AV ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. The Westport-based firm also supports small businesses and nonprofits through Accelerate, its philanthropic program. Learn more at flb.law.
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