The DU Real Estate and Construction Management Club is competing against CU Boulder once again this year in the Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge. Teams of six to eight students from each school will compete to develop the best building plan to redevelop the Westminster Dog Track.

After winning seven of the past nine competitions, the club is hoping to snag another win this year. Each year, teams from DU and CU complete a proposal to redevelop a plot of distressed land. The teams present at a benefit dinner to a judging panel of 15 important real estate bodies from across the state. The winning team’s proposal will be developed, and each team member receives a cash prize.

This year, teams are working on a proposal to redevelop the Westminster Dog Track, totaling 60 acres. They have been given certain guidelines, such that their plan must be a transit-oriented development. This will most likely include a hot spur and two to three office buildings with residential space on top and retail in bottom levels, according to club president Nicholas Nittolo. The competition judges the teams on best land use, not tenant finish, although proposals are taken into consideration for the final product.

“It’s the best way to get in touch and understand the real estate environment and community,” said Nittolo.

The DU team has yet to be chosen for this year. Team members typically have either a major or minor in RECM, although others are considered. The chosen team members will share a class worth four credits during winter quarter to develop the plan. The teams then present their proposals in May at the benefit dinner.

“It just kind of falls into place every year, ” said Nittolo of the short timeline.

Nittolo will be holding interviews Friday, Nov. 4, from 12-5 p.m. for those interested in competing this year. If interested, you can sign up for an interview Nov. 3 in DCB 320.

“We somehow find really motivated people that somehow make it happen,” said Nittolo.

The Real Estate and Construction Management Club  holds meetings every other Thursday in the Schneider Board Room in DCB. The club not only focuses on real estate and construction management events, but is also involved in community outreach such as the Bridge Project, an organization that matches young adults with college students for mentoring. If you’ are interested in joining the club, contact Nittolo at president.RECM@gmail.com.