NEW YORK CITY—After working in multifamily construction and management for more than six decades, real estate magnate Leonard Litwin has died at 102 years old. The founder of Glenwood Management Corp.—and its leader—began his career during the 1950's, when he and his father entered the real estate market here with various project, including the Pavilion, then the largest luxury apartment building in town.

The Litwins started as nurserymen over 70 years ago and still maintain the Woodbourne Cultural Nursery in Melville, NY. This 200 acre working nursery still grows thousands of trees and shrubs. Landscaping was his passion and a trademark of all his buildings, according to the Real Estate Board of New York, of which Litwin was a board member.

Since he started building apartment houses, Litwin reportedly was one of the most active owner-builders of luxury high-rise Manhattan buildings. One of his new buildings, Liberty Plaza at 10 Liberty St., was recognized as a new building on the NYS and Federal Register's of Historic Places as an example of what should be built in historic districts. This building also reportedly demonstrated Litwin's dedication to the city as it was the first new building to rise after 9/11 while other developers were waiting for the rebirth of Downtown.

“Leonard Litwin passed away peacefully at his home in Long Island on Sunday, April 2nd,” declares Glenwood Management. “We are honored to have had him as our visionary leader for 60 years and are proud of his role in shaping the New York City skyline.”

Adds John Banks, REBNY president, in a statement to members, “The governors, members and staff of the Real Estate Board of New York mourn the passing of Leonard Litwin, a real estate industry giant and an extraordinary philanthropist who generously participated in many of our city's civic and charitable organizations. Litwin was REBNY's lifetime honorary chairman and a recipient of the board's highest honors: the Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker award and Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership in Real Estate Award.”

Banks continues, “His firm led the rebirth of lower Manhattan after 9/11 when it completed Liberty Plaza, which the federal and New York State registers of historical places recognized as a model of what should be built in historic districts. We extend our sincere condolences to Leonard's daughters, Carole Pittelman and Diane Miller and the entire Litwin family.”

Litwin actively was involved in various real estate trade organizations. He served as chairman emeritus for life of REBNY; vice chairman of the Rent Stabilization Association of New York and co-chairman of the Board of Governors of the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York.

His more recent projects include Liberty Plaza, at the corner of Liberty Street and William Street; the Grand Tier, at Broadway between West 64th Street and West 65th Street; the Barclay Tower at 10 Barclay St.; Emerald Green at 320 W. 38th St. and the newly opened Crystal Green at 330 W. 39th St.

In addition, construction is underway on two luxury 80/20 towers on the site of the Fordham Campus at Amsterdam Avenues between West 60th and West 62nd Streets.

A memorial service for Leonard Litwin will be held today, Wed, April 5th, at 2:00 PM at Temple Emanu-El, 1 E. 65th St., at 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

In addition, construction is underway on two luxury 80/20 towers on the site of the Fordham Campus at Amsterdam Avenues between West 60th and West 62nd Streets.

A memorial service for Leonard Litwin will be held today, Wed, April 5th, at 2:00 PM at Temple Emanu-El, 1 E. 65th St., at 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

Instant Insights /

Longtime Resi Developer Leonard Litwin Dies

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