Michael Yanko

Michael Yanko is a well-established New York real estate developer who has successfully identified hidden value in Manhattan neighborhoods such as Hell’s Kitchen and Washington Heights and capitalized on those opportunities. As a partner in WY Management, he focuses on boutique projects that are architecturally compelling and frequently involve substantial renovations to existing properties. Among Michael Yanko’s notable gut renovation and construction projects are the 222-room hotel Ink 48 (managed by Kimpton Hotels) and the 20-room bed & breakfast 9 Minetta (managed by The Knickerbocker Group).

Mr. Yanko’s background includes a four-year tour in the Israeli Army as an officer. He moved to New York in the 1980s and earned a B.A. in finance and investments from Baruch College. Establishing Classic Group Realty in 1991, he rapidly expanded the firm to 50 agents and earned approximately $30 million in annual revenue. Michael Yanko has a strong community presence that has included such responsibilities as planning a high-profile Salvation Army fundraising event.