Leonard Litwin
Leonard Litwin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 October 1914 |
| Died | 2 April 2017 (aged 102) |
| Occupation | Real estate developer |
| Known for | Founder of Glenwood Management |
Leonard Litwin (October 16, 1914 – April 2, 2017) was a prominent American real estate developer who concentrated on residential projects through his company, Glenwood Management. His enterprise manages and owns roughly twenty-four properties located in Manhattan,[1] encompassing about 4,200 upscale rental apartments.[2] The buildings under his management are recognized for their superior construction quality and efficient property administration.[3]
Biography
Litwin was born into a Jewish family,[4] and initially worked alongside his father in the nursery industry.[2] During the 1950s, he transitioned to real estate development, focusing on erecting high-rise residential buildings in Manhattan's Upper East Side. In the following decade, he completed The Pavilion, which at the time was the largest luxury high-rise in New York City.[2] His Liberty Plaza project, a 45-story rental tower, marked the first new building constructed in Manhattan after the September 11 attacks.[5]
In 2006, Forbes ranked Litwin at number 374 on its list of the wealthiest Americans, estimating his net worth close to $1 billion. By 2007, his position shifted to number 891 while his estimated wealth remained relatively stable.[2] In early 2009, court documents revealed that he was among the account holders involved in legal proceedings connected to the purported Ponzi scheme operated by Bernard L. Madoff Securities.[4]
Philanthropy and political activities
Although achieving significant success in real estate, Litwin maintained operations of Woodbourne Cultural Nurseries, Inc. based in Melville, Long Island, which he expanded into a sprawling 200-acre arboretum. Collaborating with developer Don Zucker, he co-established the Litwin-Zucker Research Center for Alzheimer's Disease at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research located in Manhasset, NY. He also contributed to research initiatives at various hospitals and founded The Litwin Foundation.
At age 97 in 2012, Litwin emerged as the leading individual contributor to New York State politicians by donating $700,000 through his LLCs to circumvent contribution caps. Of this amount, $436,500 was directed to state Republican candidates while $76,000 supported Governor Andrew Cuomo. An LLC previously managed by Litwin, William Street Associates, made donations to Peter Vallone’s campaign in 2000. In recognition of his sustained support for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation renamed its Broad Medical Research Program in 2017 as the Litwin IBD Pioneers Initiative.
Personal life
Leonard Litwin was married to Ruth Litwin until her passing in 2014. Together, they had two daughters: Carole Litwin Pittelman, who holds the position of company president, and Diane Litwin Miller.
Litwin died on April 2, 2017, at the age of 102.
See also
References
- ↑ Glenwood.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Forbes: The 400 Richest Americans - Leonard Litwin October 2007
- ↑ "Leonard Litwin: Nurseryman turned Developer". rooftoplinnaeus.blogspot.com.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 New York Magazine: "Charities, Old People, Jews Hit Hardest by Madoff Fraud" By Jessica Pressler December 15, 2008
- ↑ The Real Deal: "Glenwood’s Litwin named REBNY’s first-ever lifetime honorary chairman" April 25, 2012