Sol Goldman
Sol Goldman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Usher Selig Goldman Template:Birth date Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 18, 1987 (aged 70) |
| Occupation(s) | Real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Largest privately held real estate portfolio in New York City at time of death; ownership of Chrysler Building |
Sol Goldman (originally named Usher Selig Goldman, born September 2, 1917 – passed away October 18, 1987) was a prominent American real estate entrepreneur and philanthropist. In the 1950s, he co-established Solil Management alongside his business associate Alex DiLorenzo. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Goldman emerged as the foremost individual real estate investor in New York City. At the height of his career, his holdings encompassed nearly 1,900 residential and commercial properties, including the iconic Chrysler Building. By the time of his passing in 1987, he possessed the largest privately held real estate portfolio in New York City, consisting of over 600 properties valued at more than $1 billion.[1]
Early life
Goldman was born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Fannie and Charles Goldman, who operated a grocery store. Raised within a Jewish household,[2] he briefly attended Brooklyn College before venturing into real estate during the era of the Great Depression. At just 16 years old, he purchased his first foreclosed property by securing financial backing from local neighbors.[3]
Career
During the 1950s, Goldman joined forces with Alex DiLorenzo Jr., actively acquiring numerous properties, including obtaining ownership of the Chrysler Building in 1960. Although he faced challenges in the 1970s—such as losing the Chrysler Building to foreclosure and the death of DiLorenzo in 1975—Goldman continued to grow his holdings. Through Solil Management, named after himself and his wife Lil, he amassed over 600 buildings. His investment strategy emphasized long-term ownership, frequently entering into 99-year ground leases where tenants paid annual rent and assumed responsibility for taxes and maintenance.
The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center at Johns Hopkins University commemorates his legacy following a $10 million contribution. Furthermore, the Sol Goldman Pool at Red Hook Park bears his name after a $2 million trust donation that supported public swimming facilities amid municipal budget constraints.
Personal life
In 1941, Goldman married Lillian Schuman; together they had four children: Allan H. Goldman, Diane Goldman Kemper, Amy P. Goldman, and Jane Goldman. After his death, disputes arose among his wife and daughters regarding his estate, with Lillian ultimately receiving one-third. His nephew, Lloyd Goldman, is also recognized as a significant real estate investor in New York City.