Avison Young

Martin Cottingham joined Avison Young as a Principal to help launch its New York office in early 2012.  A real estate veteran with over 30 years of experience, Martin’s success in leading major initiatives at Avison Young results from his dedication, deep industry expertise, and unique background.  Martin has a proven history of delivering successful client outcomes, completing millions of square feet in transactions, and being recognized consistently as one of Avison Young’s top-producing office leasing brokers.

In Cottingham’s spare time, he focuses much of his energy on supporting his community, particularly his endless hours and strong ties to the Irish community.  Cottingham’s Irish roots can be traced back to his paternal grandparents: John Cottingham, hailing from Clifden, Galway, and Nora Cottingham, from Swinford, Mayo.  At the age of 18, Cottingham became a member of the Brooklyn Irish American St. Patrick’s Day Committee.  His involvement and passion for his heritage later paved the way for him to become a strong proponent of keeping Irish American culture and traditions at the forefront. Cottingham dedicates much of his time to several organizations as an advocate to help raise funds for Catholic education in our local communities and those in need. In 2017, he was awarded the Pontifical Cross by Pope Francis, recognizing his work with Catholic schools. Cottingham is the Former President of the Emerald Society and Cathedral Club of Brooklyn, Current President of the Irish American Building Society, Knights of Saint Patrick Secretary, Futures in Education Vice-Chairman, LaSalle Academy Vice-Chairman, Chairman of the Great Irish Fair since 2007 and former honoree of the Irish Studies Program at Lehman College, to name a few. 

Both his work and community involvement grow from his love of Brooklyn and New York, the endless support of his wife, Kathleen, and two children, Brendan and Genevieve, and his unwavering desire to always find the best solution for those around him.